Phnom penh: 'Thailand's actions constitute a deliberate and premeditated invasion of Cambodian territory,' stated H.E. Kung Phoak, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. His remarks were part of a high-level briefing led by Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, to update members of the diplomatic corps in Cambodia, including defence attach©s, on recent developments concerning the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Kung Phoak conveyed the Deputy Prime Minister's call for Thailand to immediately cease all hostilities and urged a ceasefire to halt further aggression against Cambodia. He emphasized Cambodia's position as rooted in the legitimate right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, aiming to protect Cambodia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
H.E. Kung Phoak clarified that Cambodia is not the aggressor, but is solely defending its lawful territory based on internationally recognized legal instruments. He stressed Cambodia's commitment to a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law, involving the mechanisms of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to resolve disputes concerning four sensitive areas.
He also noted Thailand's reluctance towards a peaceful resolution, despite Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's willingness to mediate as the rotating ASEAN Chair. During the briefing, H.E. Prak Sokhonn reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to resolving the border issue peacefully through internationally recognized legal frameworks, while emphasizing Cambodia's right to self-defense under the UN Charter.
H.E. Kung Phoak concluded by highlighting the threat to regional and international peace and stability posed by Thailand's actions, which escalate border tensions.