On the night of July 25th, local time, the Cambodian Ministry of Defense issued a statement claiming that on July 24th, Thailand launched an intentional, unprovoked, and illegal military attack against Cambodia. This action infringed upon Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and violated the United Nations Charter.
The statement detailed that Thailand deployed a large-scale military force, including ground troops, heavy artillery, F-16 fighter jets, and cluster munitions, which destroyed civilian infrastructure, including temples, medical centers, gas stations, markets, villages, and the World Heritage Site Pakse Temple. The innocent lives of civilians were put at risk, particularly women, children, and the elderly, clearly violating international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.
Furthermore, the statement indicated that Thailand has begun to deploy troops and military equipment in the province of Battambang, Cambodia.
The statement also highlighted that Cambodia remains steadfast in its commitment to resolving disputes peacefully according to international law. At the same time, Cambodia reserves its inherent right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and will resolutely protect its people and sovereignty from any foreign aggression.
Currently, Thailand has not yet responded to this statement.
It is understood that Thailand has essentially accepted the proposal for mediation of the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia as proposed by Malaysia, the rotating chair of ASEAN, but emphasized that Cambodia must first demonstrate a clear willingness to reduce confrontation.
Conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand occurred on the border areas on July 24th and 25th, with both sides accusing each other of opening fire first and violating international law. (CCTV Reporter: Fu Xinri)