Thailand rejects UN expert’s Cambodia report, cites lack of balance

Thailand has criticized a United Nations report on Cambodia's human rights situation, alleging the document lacks balance and does not consider Thailand's perspective. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow expressed dissatisfaction with multiple aspects of the report, including those concerning the recent border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, displaced individuals, and returning Cambodian workers.

Sihasak emphasized that the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) report had not yet undergone proper review, stating that the special rapporteur's work should be unbiased, fair, and impartial. The Thai foreign minister expressed concern over the report's portrayal of Thailand, noting that only certain aspects were highlighted and misused for political purposes.

Sihasak disputed the figure of 650,000 Cambodians displaced due to the border conflict, arguing that it included long-term Thai-claimed villagers who should not be classified as internally displaced. Thailand also refuted the claim that 400,000 people were evacuated during the clashes, asserting that they had been managed effectively.

Sihasak criticized the UNHRC report for not addressing Thailand's losses, including civilian deaths and attacks on hospitals and schools, emphasizing that the report should present both sides' suffering to be fair. The Thai minister also rejected claims that Cambodian workers were forced to return home, stating that Thailand had not compelled workers to leave, regardless of their legal status.

He claimed that Cambodia had requested the workers' return but many faced unemployment and became a burden on the Cambodian government. Thailand plans to raise these concerns at the next UNHRC session and urges Cambodia to take stronger actions against criminal networks, including scam operations linked to human trafficking in Cambodia.