Phnom penh: The Royal Government Spokesperson Unit has strongly condemned the Thai authorities for committing violence against Cambodian citizens and Buddhist monks, urging them to immediately cease such violations and violent acts. H.E. Pen Bona, Head of the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit, issued the condemnation in a statement broadcast live this evening.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, at around 3:44 p.m. today, Thai armed soldiers and riot police equipped with batons, shields, and other weapons reinstalled barbed wire in Prey Chan village, O' Beichoan commune, O' Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province. They also used tear gas and sonic weapons, causing 24 Cambodian residents and monks to faint or sustain injuries.
Unarmed Cambodian soldiers were present to ensure the safety of the people, H.E. Pen Bona stressed, adding that they carried out their duties with professionalism and a high sense of responsibility, in full adherence to the ceasefire agreement and the principles agreed upon for a peaceful and lawful resolution.
The government spokesperson demanded that the Thai side respect the ceasefire, the spirit of the General Border Committee (GBC) and Regional Border Committee (RBC) meetings, the 2000 MoU, as well as human rights principles and international law.
He reaffirmed the Royal Government of Cambodia's firm commitment to upholding the ceasefire and resolving disputes peacefully based on existing bilateral agreements, conventions, treaties, and international law. H.E. Pen Bona also urged the Thai side to do the same in order to maintain the ceasefire, reduce tensions, and avoid confrontations that could escalate into renewed violence.