PM Vows Legal Steps for Cambodian Evictions

BANGKOK, Oct 3 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Friday insisted that the removal of Cambodian nationals from an area in Sa Kaeo province must follow Thai law, explicitly rejecting the use of force.

Anutin, who is also the Minister of Interior, confirmed that Ban Nong Chan village is Thai territory, addressing reports that residents would defy a reported Oct. 10 deadline for evacuation.

He said authorities would use a combination of laws and dialogue, stressing the approach would not involve methods that cause hardship. There will be no pushing or carrying them out—that won't happen.

The Prime Minister clarified that the Oct. 10 date was a timeline set by the Sa Kaeo Provincial Governor.

Anutin tied the eviction to broader border security, suggesting that removal could be negotiated if Cambodian forces first withdraw heavy weapons, clear landmines, and pull back troops.

Cambodia must find a place to move its people back to its territory, Anutin said, adding that forced expulsion cannot be the initial step while confrontations persist. -819 (TNA)