The Thai government declared martial law at Nong Chan Province, Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo Province, on the Thai-Cambodian border on August 28 to prevent the risk of instability after the apparent involvement of Cambodian citizens.
The Nation reported that Lieutenant General Benjapol startatiwong Na Ayutthaya, Commander of Burapha Forces, has signed an official announcement on the establishment of a "peacekeeping area" at Nong Chan Province.
The Burapha Task Force is a military unit under the Royal Thai Army, with the main task of protecting the eastern border of Thailand, especially along the border with Cambodia.
The decision was made under Article 11 of the 2014 Law on Military Service, empowering the army to deploy measures to maintain security and order, protect sovereignty and the safety of the people.
In the announcement, the Thai military stressed the need to mobilize military, police, civilian and people forces to respond to the "continuous threat" in the border area. Ban Nong Chan, Non Mak Mun sub-region, Khok Sung district, is identified as a peaceful area, with Sri Pen road chosen as the control boundary.
The accompanying measures include: Prohibition of carrying weapons, prohibiting road blocking that hinders public service and daily activities, prohibiting taking photos of military activities, prohibiting alcohol consumption and drinking, as well as prohibiting the use of loudspeakers without permission.
Meanwhile, the Khmer Times reported that on August 28, Cambodia's Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Chum Sonry, denied Thailand's accusations that Cambodia is using civilians as human shields.
In a press conference on the afternoon of August 28, Mr. Chum said that on August 25, the Thai military force had sought to dismantle a barbed wire fence in Serengkang village, O Bei Chon commune, O Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province (Cambodia), opposite Ban Nong Chan (Thailand). However, this action was blocked by local people and authorities, forcing Thailand to return the fence.
The claim that Cambodia uses civilians as shields is unfounded and does not reflect reality. Cambodian people have lived in this area for a long time and are victims of unilateral measures, including setting up barriers that make it difficult for them to access houses and fields, Mr. Chum emphasized.
Cambodia also sent a statement to the Thai Foreign Ministry on August 25, demanding an end to activities that Phnom Penh considers " territorial violations" in the border area, where a large number of Cambodians live.
The statement from the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also affirmed that the country is determined to resolve border disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, and "not changing the border by force".
