Thailand has rebutted claims by a United Nations human rights expert on the impact of the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, disputing figures he cited on displaced Cambodians and migrant workers returning from Thailand.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to comments made by Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia, following his July 20-31 visit there.
The ministry said the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia was not initiated by Thailand, but resulted from what it described as indiscriminate Cambodian attacks on civilian areas inside Thailand.
The response focused on Mr Andrews' assertion that about 650,000 Cambodians had been displaced by the border conflict. Thailand said part of that figure included Cambodians who had been allowed to stay in temporary shelters inside Thailand since the late 1970s under humanitarian programmes and had not returned home despite repeated requests by Thai authorities.
As a result, the ministry said, those individuals could not be classified as internally displaced persons (IDPs) under the accepted definition of the term.
It also argued that responsibility for protecting and supporting conflict-affected Cambodian citizens rests with Phnom Penh, including ensuring access to shelter, food, clean water, sanitation and healthcare.
- Migrant worker figures challenged -
The ministry also disputed Mr Andrews' claim that around 900,000 Cambodian migrant workers had returned from Thailand since the start of the recent border conflict.
It said the figure included both legally employed and undocumented workers who had voluntarily returned after appeals by the Cambodian government. Thailand maintained it had never adopted a policy of expelling Cambodian migrant workers and remained committed to their safety.
Bangkok further reaffirmed its commitment to human rights and international humanitarian law, saying it had cooperated with UN Human Rights Council special procedures and submitted explanations that were officially recorded.
The ministry said UN special procedures should adhere to the principles of independence, impartiality and objectivity, and take into account information from “credible and verifiable sources, as well as facts and perspectives from all sides in a comprehensive and fair manner".
“This is essential to ensuring that human rights assessments are balanced and consistent with the mandates of the Special Procedures,” the statement said.
- Calls for return of displaced civilians -
Mr Andrews issued his end-of-mission statement on Friday after a 12-day visit to Cambodia, during which he travelled to areas affected by last year's border fighting.
The UN rapporteur said around 650,000 Cambodian civilians were displaced during the fighting, with more than 20,000 still unable to return home. During his visit, some displaced residents told him they could not return because their towns and villages were occupied by Thai troops.
He urged both governments to work together to facilitate the return of civilians, saying those displaced by armed conflict have the right to return to their homes under international law.
Thailand has repeatedly rejected allegations that it is occupying Cambodian territory, saying its actions comply with a bilateral ceasefire agreement reached on Dec 27, 2025.
The ministry urged both countries to fully implement the Dec 27 joint statement, reduce tensions and avoid actions or allegations that could undermine trust, saying this would help resolve border issues through bilateral mechanisms.
- Opinion: Border spat simmers on a year in
