Cambodian PM says Thailand occupying deep' territory after ceasefire

"Thailand continues to occupy parts of Cambodia after multiple ceasefire agreements ended months of deadly fighting late last year, Cambodia's prime minister has said. We still have Thai forces occupy[ing] deep into Cambodian territory in many areas. This is further beyond even Thailand's own unilateral claim, Hun Manet said in an interview with the Reuters news agency on Tuesday while travelling to Washington, DC, to attend a meeting of United States President Donald Trump's Board of Peace."

"Thai troops placed shipping containers and barbed wire inside areas that Thailand had previously recognised as Cambodian territory, he said, rendering about 80,000 people unable to return home. The alleged encroachment occurred after Cambodia and Thailand's protracted border conflict last year killed dozens and displaced hundreds of thousands of people, fuelled nationalistic rhetoric and destroyed ancient temple sites. Al Jazeera reporting and independent mapping efforts have shown the presence of Thai-placed shipping containers and barbed wire in several provinces, including Pursat and Banteay Meanchey."

"Hun Manet called upon Thailand to begin border demarcation through the countries' Joint Boundary Commission process, which lagged before Thailand's national elections that saw a decisive win for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Bhumjaithai Party. Now the election is done, we hope that Thailand can start, at least on a technical level demarcating in the hot zone, so that we can go bac"

Cambodia reports continued Thai occupation of parts of Cambodian territory following ceasefires that ended months of deadly fighting. Thai forces have placed shipping containers and barbed wire inside areas previously recognised as Cambodian, leaving about 80,000 people unable to return home. The border conflict killed dozens, displaced hundreds of thousands, fuelled nationalistic rhetoric and damaged ancient temple sites. Independent mapping and reporting show barriers in provinces including Pursat and Banteay Meanchey. Cambodia calls for border demarcation through the Joint Boundary Commission and seeks technical progress now that Thailand's elections are concluded, with hopes for international involvement.

Read at www.aljazeera.com