(Phnom Penh): Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Under Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia, has strongly condemned what she described as a “brutal and aggressive” military incursion by Thailand against Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on Thursday morning (Jul. 24).
According to the Ministry of National Defence, Thai forces violated prior agreements at around 06:30 a.m. by advancing onto Ta Moan Thom Temple in Oddar Meanchey province. Thai troops infiltrated the temple base, deployed a drone at 07:04 a.m., and opened live fire at 08:30 a.m. By 08:46 a.m., Thai forces launched a direct assault on Cambodian troops stationed at Ta Moan Thom Temple, expanding attacks to Ta Krabei Temple, Phnom Kmoch, and later into the Emerald Triangle area. Thai military aircraft reportedly dropped two bombs along the road to Keosikha Kirisvarak Pagoda, a strategic point where Cambodian forces are defending national territory in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces.
At 08:47 a.m., Cambodian armed forces were left with no option but to exercise their right to self-defence within their sovereign territory in response to the blatant military incursion by Thai troops.
Thailand’s deployment of excessive heavy weaponry and the large-scale mobilisation of troops in an attempt to forcibly seize Cambodian territory constitutes a flagrant and serious violation of the United Nations Charter, ASEAN Charter, and the core principles of international law. These reckless and unlawful acts pose a grave threat not only to peace and stability in the region, but also to the very foundation of the international rules-based order.
Cambodia urgently calls on the international community to strongly and unequivocally condemn Thailand’s illegal acts and hold the Thai side fully accountable for its outrageous aggression. Cambodia demands that Thailand immediately cease all acts of hostility, withdraw its troops to its own territory, and refrain from any provocative actions that could further escalate tensions.
While Cambodia remains committed to resolving disputes through peaceful means, legal frameworks, and diplomatic channels, the Ministry of National Defence affirms the full readiness of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces to defend the country’s sovereignty and its people at all costs. In accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, Cambodia reserves its legitimate right to self-defence and will respond resolutely to Thailand’s outrageous aggression.
The Kingdom of Cambodia reiterates its commitment to peace. Nevertheless, we reaffirm our sovereign right, enshrined in international law, to protect our territorial integrity and our people, regardless of the cost. Cambodia will never bow to coercion or intimidation in any form.
The Royal Government, the Armed Forces, and the people of Cambodia stand united in unwavering determination to defend our land, dignity, and sovereignty without hesitation and at any cost.
The Ministry of National Defence appeals to journalists and social media users of all platforms not to share any unverified information, images, or videos, particularly those revealing military activities, positions, troop movements, or types of weaponry.
=FRESH NEWS
