Announcement by Thai Commander of Military Region 2 Deemed a Provocative and Premeditated Attempt to Invade Cambodia

Phnom penh: The Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia has strongly condemned the announcement by the Thai Commander of Military Region 2, describing it as a provocative and premeditated attempt to invade Cambodia. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, on Aug. 10, 2025, General Boonsin Padklang, the Commander of Military Region 2, announced his retirement plan which is only 51 days away, outlining actions to seize the Ta Krabey Temple and declare the closure of the Tamone Thom Temple, both of which are situated within Cambodian sovereignty. The Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia emphasized that this statement is undeniable evidence of a provocative and premeditated attempt to invade Cambodian sovereignty and territorial integrity. The statement was released on Sunday night. The actions proposed by General Boonsin Padklang are seen as violations of the ceasefire agreement reached during the special meeting on July 28, 2025, and contradict the spirit of the ext raordinary meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) held on Aug. 7, 2025, in Malaysia. During this meeting, Cambodia and Thailand agreed on several points, notably that both parties must refrain from moving their troops or patrolling beyond their current positions. The Spokesperson highlighted Cambodia's commitment to peaceful resolution and strict adherence to the ceasefire agreement. Cambodia urges Thailand to uphold these principles sincerely, aiming to resolve the border disputes and restore peace for the peoples of both countries. Additionally, the Ministry of National Defence appealed to the international community, especially partner countries involved in achieving the ceasefire, to urge Thailand to respect the agreement. This includes halting all violations and provocations and removing barbed wires laid on Cambodian territory. The Spokesperson reiterated that the overall situation at the border remains calm and stressed the importance of maintaining stability. Both sides should work towards i mproving the situation and avoiding actions that could disrupt peace and stability, which are common aspirations of both nations and the global community, as evidenced by support for the ceasefire agreement and outcomes from the GBC meeting.