Phnom penh: A coalition of Cambodian worker unions has strongly condemned the actions of Thai security forces, describing them as a serious encroachment on Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the condemnation follows an incident on Oct. 10, when Thai security forces, equipped with batons, shields, heavy machinery, and other equipment, conducted a mine clearance operation in Prey Chan village, O’ Beichoan commune, O’ Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province. The unions denounced the actions as a blatant violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and an attempt to impose Thai law on Cambodian territory.

Mr. Sam Soeun, President of the National Labour Union of Cambodia, stated that the Thai army has repeatedly violated the ceasefire with Cambodia. He said that on Oct. 10, the Thai military once again invaded Cambodian territory in what he described as a ‘brutal and aggressive manner.’

Mr. Kim Chan Samnang, President of the Cambodian Workers’ Rights Union, said the Thai side has consistently used various pretexts to invade Cambodian land. He pointed in particular to the Oct. 10 land-clearing and demining activities in Prey Chan village, which he said breached the ceasefire agreement between the two countries.

The worker unions emphasized that the Thai security forces’ actions constitute a grave violation of the ceasefire agreement, the spirit of the General Border Committee (GBC) and Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC) meetings, and the provisions of Article 4, Point 2 of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding. They further said the actions also contravene principles of human rights and international humanitarian law.