(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Delegate Minister and also the Royal Government Spokesperson Pen Bona highlighted that all recent incidents between Cambodia and Thailand were provoked by the Thai side, driven by an underlying desire to seize Cambodian territory. 

Pen Bona spoke on Thursday (Jul. 24) during a press conference hosted by the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit in response to the escalating armed clashes along the Cambodia–Thailand border.

“All of the tensions and incidents that have recently occurred between Cambodia and Thailand were caused by Thailand. Every citizen and the international community should fully aware that Thailand is the one instigating the conflict, with the intention of claiming Cambodian land. They continuously provoke, placing blame on Cambodia for everything, including landmine incidents. When in fact, it was Thai troops who crossed into Cambodian territory and triggered the explosions. Even after our explanations, they continue to accuse us," the delegate minister underscored. 

He firmly reiterated that Cambodia seeks peace and has no intention of pursuing war. Military action is Cambodia’s last resort. He stressed that the armed clashes on the morning of 24 July 2025 were a defensive response by Cambodian troops, who had no choice but to protect the nation’s sovereignty and territory from Thai aggression.

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.
=FRESH NEWS