Bangkok: Prime Minister Sihasak Srimuang reiterated the Thai government's disagreement with the Andrews report's remarks implicating Thailand in the Thai-Cambodian border issue, and announced plans to send letters to the UN High Commissioner and UNHRC.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, announced Thailand's stance regarding the statement by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Cambodia. He stated that Mr. Tom Andrews' report contained several points implicating Thailand, and while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously issued an initial statement clarifying this, the press conference aimed to reiterate the government's disagreement with and rejection of the report. He also emphasized that the report was not a United Nations report but rather a report by Mr. Tom Andrews.
Mr. Sihasak also refuted the information presented by Mr. Tom Andrews regarding Thailand, specifically the accusation that 650,000 Cambodians were homeless and unable to return to their homeland. He stated that the actual number is much lower, believing that the figure includes Cambodians residing in villages encroaching on Thai territory since the Cambodian civil war 50 years ago. These villages are not considered internally displaced persons. He further argued that Thailand cannot accept the omission of its own losses, which were initiated by Cambodia. Therefore, a fair report must include Thailand's losses. He also countered the claim that Cambodian laborers in Thailand were forced to return to Cambodia, creating a burden for the Cambodian government. He emphasized that Thailand has never forcibly deported Cambodian laborers, regardless of whether they were legally or illegally residing in the country. Conversely, Cambodia has demanded the return of these laborers, and when they return and are unemployed, it becomes a burden on their government, which is responsible for their care.
Meanwhile, Tom Andrews' report addresses several issues, but Cambodia has only highlighted those affecting Thailand. The report also touches upon political freedom, freedom of expression, transnational online scams, and human trafficking-important issues for the global community that Thailand is concerned about. The joint statement between Thailand and Cambodia, which led to the ceasefire, also mentions cooperation on these matters. Thailand, as a member of the UN Human Rights Council, will seriously consider this issue at the next session, including the possibility of a resolution. Thailand also urges Cambodia to take more action against scams. Following this, Thailand will send a letter outlining its concerns to the President of the Human Rights Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Furthermore, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, stated following the murder of two Russian siblings in Chonburi province that the government has ordered an upgrade of security measures to restore confidence and protect all tourists visiting Thailand. He emphasized that Thailand is a major tourist destination globally, and such incidents inevitably impact tourist confidence. Therefore, the government must demonstrate its commitment through action to strengthen security measures and prevent recurrence. He stressed that this incident serves as a reminder that even with the best security measures, criminal groups will always seek to harm innocent or vulnerable individuals. Regarding operational measures, the government needs to be more proactive. Simultaneously, from the tourists' perspective, increased caution and awareness of safe areas to visit and those to avoid are equally crucial.