Hun Sen warned: Relocate Cambodians at Nong Chan or face pushback

Tempers flared again today at Ban Nong Chan in Sa Kaew province, this time between scores of Thais and Cambodians confronting each other across the barbed wire fence erected by the Thai Army.

Yesterday, a confrontation occurred when Cambodians gathered at the fence and attempted to dismantle it, while Thai troops tried to deescalate the situation.

Thais, waving their national flag, rallied at the fence, asserting that Ban Nong Chan belongs to Thailand.

They called on the Thai government to handle the problem that Cambodia claimed ownership of Ban Nong Chan village otherwise they will handle by themselves.

In response, Cambodians mobilised their compatriots to the area and both sides verbally hurled at each other.

Today the two sides shouted at one another, but this time no objects were used as weapons.

Yesterday, however, Cambodians carried long sticks and poked them through the barbed wire, while Thai soldiers tried to stop them with their bare hands.

Sa Kaew is currently under martial law and Thai officials warned that, if the situation does not subside, they may enforce the provisions of martial law.

Maj Gen Wanchana Sawasdee talks to the media at Nong Chan

Meanwhile Thai Armed Forces’ deputy spokesman Maj gen Wanchana Sawasdee who was present at the site for an official trip said that the Ban Nong Chan area used to be a refugee camp for Cambodians but the land is undeniable Thai territory.

"Cambodia’s strongman Hun Sen is not a fool, but a cheat—that’s why he keeps trying to seize Thai land,"said Wanchana.

Thailand wants to demand the evacuation of Cambodian villagers who have encroached onto Thai soil—around 50 households occupying nearly 60 rai of land, Wanchana said.

“If our demand is not met, we will exercise our right to push them back. Hun Sen is not stupid, but he is dishonest. Even the boundary line he claims still crosses into Thai territory,” he said.

Therefore, Wanchana said he called on Hun Sen to prepare a relocation plan for his people.