(Phnom Penh): The Royal Government of Cambodia has strongly condemned Thai military forces for a violent cross-border incursion that left at least 24 Cambodian civilians and Buddhist monks injured in Ou Chrov District, Banteay Meanchey Province.
According to the spokesperson, at approximately 3:44 p.m. on 17 September 2025, Thai armed forces and anti-riot police, equipped with batons, shields, and various tactical equipment, again encroached into Cambodian territory at Prey Chan Village, Ou Beichoan commune, Ou Chrov District, Banteay Meanchey Province. Their objective was reportedly to seize farmland long inhabited and cultivated by local Cambodian communities.
In defense of their land, villagers confronted the Thai troops and forced them to retreat.
The situation escalated when Thai forces reportedly fired rubber bullets and smoke grenades directly at unarmed civilians. Victims suffered from eye irritation, physical pain, and hearing damage caused by high-decibel sound devices allegedly used by the Thai side. The violence intensified further with the use of additional rubber pellet rounds and crowd-control equipment, injuring at least 24 individuals, including monks. Some injuries were reported as serious.
Cambodian joint security forces, armed and stationed nearby, acted with restraint and professionalism. The spokesperson emphasized that they adhered strictly to ceasefire agreements and international principles for peaceful conflict resolution, avoiding retaliation despite the violence.
Local authorities provided immediate emergency aid, dispatching ambulances to transport the seriously wounded to hospital for urgent medical attention.
The Cambodian Government Spokesperson denounced the violent actions of the Thai military, labeling them as blatant acts of aggression and territorial violation.
The Cambodian government also demanded that Thailand respect the ceasefire agreements, the spirit of the GBC (General Border Committee) and RBC (Regional Border Committee) meetings, as well as Point 2, Article 4 of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Furthermore, the spokesperson emphasized the need for adherence to international human rights and humanitarian law principles.
The spokesperson reiterated the firm position of the Royal Government of Cambodia, led by Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, which is to resolve border issues peacefully and diplomatically. Cambodia remains committed to all bilateral agreements, treaties, and international laws, and calls upon Thailand to uphold these same principles in order to maintain the ceasefire, reduce military tensions, and avoid any further escalation or outbreak of armed conflict.
=FRESH NEWS
