(Phnom Penh): Maly Socheata, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, called on the international community to take urgent measures against Thailand’s military build-up along the Cambodian border, warning it signals an intention to escalate attacks.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday (Jul. 26) on the situation along Cambodia-Thailand border, she stated that Thailand has become increasingly provocative, deploying more offensive forces along the border without taking any steps to de-escalate the situation.

Furthermore, Thailand has placed Trat and Chanthaburi provinces, which border Cambodia’s Koh Kong and Pursat provinces, under martial law. It has also deployed troops, heavy weaponry, and units along the Banteay Meanchey border as part of its pre-planned “Chakrabongse Bhuvanath Plan.”

Maly Socheata condemned Thailand’s military preparations as a clear indication of plans to intensify attacks and violate Cambodia’s sovereignty. She also rejected Thailand’s accusations, such as claims about landmines, calling them fabricated pretexts for aggression meant to distract from its violations of international law.

Maly Socheata stressed, “The Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia urges the international community, including the United Nations Security Council, ASEAN, and all relevant international partners, to strongly condemn Thailand’s aggressive and escalatory actions against Cambodia.”

She reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful resolution under international law but stressed that Cambodia reserves its right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter to protect its people, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
=FRESH NEWS