Phnom penh: Cambodian Ministry of National Defence has rejected the false and misleading statements made by the Thai side regarding the incident involving verbal confrontation between Thai and Cambodian troops on June 27, 2025.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence issued a clarification over the incident, emphasizing its strict adherence to military discipline. The ministry stated that the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) ensure that no actions deviating from established protocols or bilateral agreements are taken without prior mutual agreement.
The clarification highlighted that access to the Ta Moan Thom Temple is agreed to be closed at 15:00. However, on the day of the incident, at approximately 15:15, around 100 Thai nationals, including a former Minister of the Interior of Thailand and the current leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, were permitted entry by the Thai side without prior notification. This action contradicted claims by the spokesperson of the Royal Thai Army.
The Cambodian Ministry pointed out that if the Thai military had acted with transparency and good intentions, their actions should have aligned with the bilateral agreement, which specifies the time and conditions for temple access. Cambodian forces, it claimed, made every effort to peacefully resolve the situation, maintaining professionalism and respect for existing agreements.
The Ministry also criticized videos released by Thai media outlets and statements from the Thai army spokesperson as false, misleading, and one-sided. It argued that such actions provoke misunderstanding and incite hostility between the two nations without reflecting the full context.
Cambodia urged all journalists and media in Thailand to cease spreading false or misleading information that harms Cambodia's dignity and reputation. The Cambodian Ministry strongly reminded Thailand to respect existing agreements and avoid actions that distort the truth or damage mutual trust.
The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability, emphasizing that they will not allow any encroachment on Cambodian sovereignty under any circumstances.