(Phnom Penh): Samdech Techo called on the public to remain calm and place their trust in the Royal Government and the armed forces to resolve recent border tensions with Thailand through negotiation rather than military confrontation.

Samdech Techo spoke on Thursday (May 29) in a special statement addressing the recent armed clash between Cambodian and Thai forces at the Emerald Triangle border area, Preah Vihear province.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen underscored, “I urge all citizens to stay calm and have confidence in the capabilities of the Royal Government and our armed forces. Trust that this issue can and will be resolved through dialogue, rather than the use of military force.”

On the occasion, Samdech Techo also warned the public to be cautious of fake news and inflammatory content aimed at inciting conflict between the two nations. He emphasised that hatred can only undermine the mutual benefits derived from maintaining a strong, cooperative relationship.

Samdech Techo described the killing of the Cambodian soldier as a deeply regrettable event that must be avoided at all costs.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen continued, “Allow me to elaborate further. I have already issued a statement on my Facebook page, and this morning, the prime minister confirmed the deployment of our forces to the border. However, the movement of troops and heavy weaponry is not intended to provoke war. It is a precautionary measure, should the other side commit any violations, we reserve the right to defend ourselves.”

Similarly, Prime Minister Hun Manet, through his Facebook, also urged the public not to panic based on unverified reports. He called for restraint to prevent the situation from escalating into an ethnic conflict, and appealed for public trust in the government and armed forces, who are working responsibly toward a peaceful resolution.

According to the Ministry of National Defence, the clash between Cambodian and Thai troops occurred on 28 May 2025 at Techo Morakot Village, Morakot Commune, Choam Ksant District, Preah Vihear Province. Thai forces reportedly opened fire first at a site where Cambodian forces had long been stationed, resulting in the fatality of the Cambodian soldier.

The Ministry emphasized that such clashes are not what Cambodia desires and stated that Cambodia will continue discussions with Thailand's Ministry of Defence to seek a joint solution aimed at restoring the situation to normalcy as soon as possible and preventing any recurrence.

The Ministry reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to resolving disputes through diplomatic means and peaceful dialogue, while maintaining peaceful, stable, and cooperative borders that promote mutual development and benefit. Cambodia also reiterated its determination to defend its territorial integrity at any cost.

The Ministry called on the public not to believe or spread false information on social media, which could escalate tensions and insecurity along the border and negatively impact relations between troops, civilian livelihoods, and bilateral relations.

The Ministry of National Defence urged the public to rely only on clear and official sources of information, particularly those issued by the Ministry itself.
=FRESH NEWS