 "Smoke rises from the site, after Thailand launched air strikes along its disputed border with Cambodia, according to Thai army, in Choeteal Kong, Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia. Reuters")
Amid rising tensions, Cambodia on Monday sharply condemned what it described as “inhumane and brutal acts” after Thai airstrikes reignited clashes along the border.
The Defence Ministry said at least four civilians were killed in the strikes, accusing Thailand of breaching the ceasefire and a joint declaration, which triggered mass evacuations in the border area. Thailand’s Army, meanwhile, said its troops had come under attack, leaving one soldier dead and four injured.
“The Ministry of National Defense of the Kingdom of Cambodia categorically condemns in the harshest terms the brutal, barbaric, and belligerent acts of war committed by the Kingdom of Thailand against Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the ministry said.
Phnom Penh said its forces showed maximum restraint throughout the incident, reiterating their commitment to the ceasefire and earlier bilateral agreements while urging a peaceful settlement.
“During the entire course of these attacks, the Cambodian forces have maintained their utmost restraint and did not retaliate at all. Cambodia remains strictly committed to respecting and implementing the ceasefire agreement, the Joint Declaration between Cambodia and Thailand, and previous agreements between the two countries, based on the principles of resolving the disputes peacefully and in compliance with international law,” it said.
Cambodia also accused Thailand of spreading disinformation to sway both national and international opinion.
“It is important to note that the recent attacks by the Thai military forces occurred after numerous provocative actions over the past several days. During this period, Thailand engaged in continuous disinformation campaigns, both through official and unofficial channels, spreading false information and accusations against Cambodia, with the intention of misleading national and international public opinion and using it as a pretext to re-escalate military tensions with Cambodia,” the statement added.