Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Pen Bona, the spokesman for the Royal Government of Cambodia, has firmly asserted that Thailand bears responsibility as the instigator of the ongoing border conflict. He emphasized that Thailand initiated the hostilities through a series of provocative activities and groundless accusations directed against Cambodia.
Speaking at a press conference held on the afternoon of July 24, which addressed the current state of alleged Thai military aggression into Cambodian territory, Mr. Pen Bona elaborated on the situation. “All the latest issues between Cambodia and Thailand, all the current tensions, stem from Thailand acting as the provocateur,” he stated. “We must remember this fact. The Cambodian people, as well as the international community, are well aware that Thailand is constantly provoking to invade Cambodian territory, seeking to claim our land and continuously creating pretexts for conflict. They have attempted to shift blame onto us, accusing us of planting landmines, which we have already thoroughly explained to them. Now, Thailand has openly engaged in hostile fire. Indeed, this morning, July 24, shots were fired, and it was Thailand that fired upon our troops.”
In response to the Thai military’s actions, Cambodian troops were left with no alternative but to retaliate with force. According to Mr. Pen Bona, the use of force remains a measure of last resort. He underscored that the leadership of the Cambodian Senate and the head of the Royal Government unequivocally wish to avoid conflict. However, he maintained that Thai forces have continued their incursions and fired indiscriminately into Cambodian territory, an act that crosses the ‘red line’ about which Cambodia had previously issued strong warnings.
“Our troops have been left with no choice but to exercise their inherent right to self-defense,” Mr. Pen Bona further confirmed, “to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity from this aggression.”
It was highlighted that Thailand launched what was described as a premeditated and intentional shooting attack on Cambodia during the morning of July 24. The aggression reportedly commenced near Ta Moan Thom temple and escalated to include gunfire around Ta Krabei temple in the Phnom Khmoch area. The conflict geographically expanded to the ‘three corners’ region, involving the use of heavy weaponry, including what was described as two types of bomber ordnance, targeting Wat Keo Sikkha Kirisvara Street. This area is where Cambodian troops are stationed, defending territory geographically located within Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces. The intense crossfire and military actions have resulted in the forced evacuation of more than 5,000 people from their homes, underscoring the severe humanitarian impact of the ongoing hostilities.
