Phnom penh: The Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia has issued a strong condemnation of what it calls the brutal and unlawful military aggression by Thailand, asserting that the actions constitute a grave violation of Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the statement released by the Ministry this morning highlighted a series of provocative actions by Thai forces on July 24. At approximately 06:30, Thai forces reportedly violated existing agreements by climbing onto Ta Mone Thom Temple and placing barbed wire at its base. A Thai drone was launched at 07:04, flying over the area for two minutes. The tensions escalated at 08:30 when Thai forces began firing, further intensifying at 08:46 with alleged gunfire directed at Cambodian troops stationed at Ta Mone Thom Temple. The conflict soon spread to Ta Krabey Temple, the Phnum Khmoch area, and the Mom Bei area. Additionally, Thai fighter jets reportedly dropped two bombs on the road leading to Wat Keo Sikha Kirisvarak. These contested areas are located within the Cambodian provinces of Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear.
In response to the aggression, the Cambodian armed forces exercised their legitimate right to self-defence within Cambodia's sovereign territory starting at 08:47.
The Ministry's statement declared, "Thailand's use of heavy weapons and the excessive deployment of troops in an incursion into Cambodian territory is a clear violation of the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and fundamental principles of international law." It further emphasized that such actions pose a serious threat to regional peace and stability and undermine the foundations of the international order.
The Ministry of National Defence urgently called on the international community to condemn Thailand's actions and hold the Thai government accountable for its repeated violations. Cambodia urged Thailand to immediately cease hostilities, withdraw its forces, and adhere to border agreements.
While expressing its commitment to resolving the issue through legal and diplomatic means, the Ministry affirmed that the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) are prepared to defend the Kingdom's sovereignty and its people by all necessary means.
"In accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, Cambodia reserves the legitimate right to self-defence and will respond resolutely to Thailand's aggression," the statement continued.
Reiterating its dedication to peace, the Ministry stated, "The Kingdom of Cambodia reaffirms its commitment to peace but equally reaffirms its sovereign right, as enshrined in international law, to defend its territorial integrity and the safety of its people at all costs. Cambodia will not succumb to coercion or intimidation of any kind."
The Ministry also appealed to journalists and social media users to avoid sharing unverified information, images, or videos that could jeopardize national security or spread misinformation.