Phnom penh: Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, stated at a press briefing this afternoon that the Thai armed forces have expanded their attacks against Cambodia, targeting indiscriminately and causing widespread destruction. 'This is an inhumane act. Thailand is a neighbour that no one wishes to live with,' she declared.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the spokesperson accused Thailand of escalating its offensive instead of taking steps to de-escalate the conflict, despite pressure from the international community. She also rejected claims by Thai media and the Royal Thai Army spokesperson that Cambodia had deployed heavy weapons, specifically the long-range PHL-03 multiple rocket launchers.
'This propaganda aims to mislead both their own citizens and the international community. I would like to reaffirm that Cambodia has had no reason to deploy the PHL-03 missiles,' she stated. Lt. Gen. Socheata called on the Royal Thai Army to 'immediately stop spreading lies and cease using fabricated pretexts to justify its illegal invasion.'
She urged the international community to hold Thailand accountable for its actions and to press for an end to hostilities. She concluded by reaffirming Cambodia's commitment to an immediate ceasefire and peaceful resolution of disputes in line with international law. She emphasized Cambodia's right to self-defence, as enshrined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, to protect its territorial integrity and citizens.