Bangkok: A government spokesman confirmed that Cambodia opened fire first, violating sovereignty. He emphasized that Thailand has the right to defend itself under international law and condemned Cambodia’s distortion of information and use of citizens as human shields.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat revealed regarding the clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border that the Thai government strongly condemns the Cambodian actions, which first launched weapons into Thai territory, particularly in Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo Province. This is a clear violation of Thai sovereignty.
The government confirmed to the army that at 4:00 p.m., the Burapha Force reported Cambodian soldiers firing into the Thai side. The Thai side acted cautiously and within the framework of the “Rules of Engagement” by taking cover and firing warning shots in self-defense. The incident lasted approximately 10 minutes before the situation calmed down, with no injuries or deaths on the Thai side.
The government spokesman also stated that Cambodia’s use of civilians as human shields constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian principles, which Thailand cannot accept. It also constitutes behavior that contravenes international law on the protection of civilians in situations of conflict.
“The Thai government urges Cambodia to cease all provocative actions, respect Thailand’s sovereignty, and cease distorting facts to the media and its own people. This pre-emptive shooting is a direct disturbance and violation of the peace agreement between the two countries,” said Mr. Siripong.
Regarding the case where Lieutenant General Malee Socheata, spokesman for the Cambodian Ministry of Defense, publicly stated that Thailand opened fire first and that Cambodian civilians were injured, the Thai government spokesman confirmed that this was a complete distortion of the facts.