SA KAEO – The First Army Region has formally requested the immediate evacuation of Cambodian civilians from three border communities in this eastern province, setting a deadline for the submission of a withdrawal plan. The demand was issued in a letter from First Army Region Commander Lieutenant General Worayot Luengsuwan to his counterpart in Cambodia’s Military Region 5.

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The letter specifically identifies the settlements of Ban Nong Chan, Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Khok Sung district, and Ban Ta Phraya in Ta Phraya district. Lt Gen Worayot has demanded that the Cambodian military provide an evacuation plan by October 7. This plan is slated for discussion at a scheduled Regional Border Committee meeting from October 10-12 in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province. The Thai commander made his nation’s participation in the upcoming talks conditional upon Cambodia’s acceptance of these terms.

When the Khmer Rouge genocide broke out in Cambodia (1975–1979), countless Cambodians fled for their lives across the border into Thailand. Out of pure humanity, Thailand — in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) — opened its land to help… pic.twitter.com/bpKWDb8GH7

— Peace *สถานะ : พักผ่อน😴🥱 (@Peace_2441) October 5, 2025

The stance was reinforced by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin, who stated that the land near Ban Nong Chan is legally designated as forest reserve land under the jurisdiction of the Royal Forest Department. Minister Suchart announced that the department has been instructed to file criminal complaints against the occupants for encroachment under the Forest Act.

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He emphasized that the forest land cannot be unlawfully occupied by anyone, regardless of nationality, and noted that martial law is in effect in the area, authorizing security forces to enforce it. “We must absolutely take back our territory,” Suchart stated. “We will not give in on this.”

-Thailand News (TN)