(Phnom Penh): Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, issued a serious warning about the evolving nature of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. What once involved firearms has now shifted to slingshots launching marbles and metal pellets, a development he says could jeopardize the fragile ceasefire if left unaddressed.

Samdech Techo wrote on his social media on Friday (Aug. 8) as follows:

“In truth, I did not wish to speak about this issue. However, remaining silent may lead the Thai leadership to remain unaware, and the international community to misunderstand the situation. The Cambodia–Thailand border conflict has shifted from a war using weapons to one involving slingshots loaded with ball bearings and metal pellets.

At first glance, this may seem like a trivial or even humorous matter. But upon deeper examination, it is a serious issue.

If we do not intervene, it will escalate from slingshots to the use of all kinds of weapons, ultimately destroying the ceasefire agreement painstakingly reached by the Cambodian and Thai leaderships, with active mediation by the Prime Minister of Malaysia and participation from China and the United States.

As for Cambodia, if such actions are taking place, I urge the Royal Government to issue immediate orders to military forces to halt their use.

I also hope the Thai leadership will issue similar orders to their military to cease the use of weapons, as reflected in the attached images.”
=FRESH NEWS