(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen responded to calls urging Cambodia to take military action following the shooting of Cambodian civilians by Thai soldiers in Prey Chan village, which left one dead and three injured. Samdech Hun Sen explained that any military retaliation would result in more casualties on both sides and would undermine the ceasefire and the Kuala Lumpur peace accord.
Samdech Techo spoke on Monday (Nov. 17) during the 33rd National Congress of Buddhist Monks at the National Institute of Education.
“The incident in Prey Chan has prompted some to urge us to immediately retaliate. But if we respond with weapons, what would the outcome be? They are provoking us to escalate from one incident to another, even shooting rubber bullets at night. Yet, the Royal Government has instructed not to retaliate,” Samdech Techo underscored.
The Senate president mentioned that Cambodia’s patience and restraint are due to the ceasefire and the Kuala Lumpur peace accord, witnessed by Malaysia, the United States, China, and other international partners. Responding hastily could escalate the conflict unnecessarily.
The Prey Chan shooting incidents occurred twice on the afternoon of 12 November 2025, in Ou Beichoan commune, Ou Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province, resulting in one death, three injuries, and approximately 500 families temporarily displaced.
Cambodia strongly condemned the Thai soldiers’ actions and called on Thailand to take responsibility, noting that both countries’ leaders signed the peace agreement with the US and Malaysia as witnesses.
Following the incidents, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet contacted Samdech Techo Hun Sen via phone call, confirming that Cambodia would not escalate militarily and that a careful, quiet approach would be maintained to resolve the issue peacefully.
“Some say we should retaliate immediately. But if we do, the casualties could far exceed one death and three injuries. Thai soldiers could die, and so could ours. We are not afraid, but what would be achieved? The ceasefire and the peace statements would be destroyed,” Samdech continued.
He added that external parties criticized the events but did not condemn those responsible for shooting Cambodian civilians.
Following these incidents, the leaders of the US and Malaysia engaged in diplomatic interventions, discussing the situation with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Cambodia continues to maintain a peaceful stance on the border issue, following established procedures and in line with the spirit of the Kuala Lumpur joint statement of 26 October 2025, to ultimately resolve the border conflict and build lasting peace between the two countries.
The US has also suspended customs negotiations with Thailand until Thailand fully implements the peace agreement with Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS
