Thailand's JIC Director Monitors Cambodian Film Depicting 1979 Refugee Push-Backs

Key summary

Air Vice Marshal Parapas Suanjai, director of the Thailand-Cambodia Border Information Center (JIC), stated on October 24 that his center is monitoring details of a Cambodian film titled 'Cambodia's Second Killing Field,' scheduled for release on November 6. The film depicts the 1979 refugee push-back incident and includes scenes of Thai soldiers using violence. JIC confirmed historical records exist regarding the event but emphasized distinguishing verified facts from dramatized elements in the movie. While noting that inaccurate depictions of uniforms or events would be addressed with evidence, Thailand will not demand a ban on the screening unless significant factual errors are found. The director urged learning from history without fostering new hatred.