SA KAEO, Thailand – The Governor of Sa Kaeo Province has met with his Cambodian counterpart, presenting an eight-point plan to resolve border encroachment and ease tensions.
Following an incident where Cambodian nationals attempted to dismantle fencing in what Thailand states is its sovereign territory, the governors of Thailand’s Sa Kaeo and Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey provinces have met to de-escalate the situation. The meeting, held in Poipet, was initiated after the Royal Thai Army clarified that the encroachment near Ban Nong Ya Kaeo was a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Sa Kaeo Governor, Parinya Phothisat, presented a formal eight-point plan to his counterpart to manage the tensions in a principled manner. Key proposals include establishing a 500-meter buffer zone where populations from both sides must withdraw from disputed areas, prohibiting any alteration of the landscape, and a halt to any increase in military forces or heavy weaponry.
While asserting Thailand’s right to issue land titles to its citizens on its sovereign territory, the plan also offers a path for peaceful cooperation through a joint problem-solving committee. However, the proposal includes a clear ultimatum: if encroachment continues, Sa Kaeo will issue a 30-day eviction notice and proceed under Thai law. Cambodia has been asked to respond to the proposals by September 25th. (NNT)
