Bangkok: The Royal Thai Army has firmly rejected recent allegations from the Cambodian government, labeling them as “distorted” and asserting that Thailand’s actions were solely in self-defense. This statement came in response to claims from Cambodia accusing Thai soldiers of opening fire on civilians in the Prei Chan village area.
According to Thai News Agency, the Cambodian Ministry of Defense had earlier called on the international community to denounce Thailand for what they described as a shooting incident involving Thai military forces. The incident reportedly resulted in injuries to five civilians, following what Cambodia described as provocative actions by the Thai military. The Cambodian government has demanded that Thailand assume responsibility for the alleged ceasefire violations and adhere to existing agreements.
In a statement addressing these accusations, Army spokesman Major General Winthai Suvari highlighted that Cambodia’s narrative is part of a broader strategy to create misleading scenarios and disseminate them through planned media releases. He emphasized that the incident originated with Cambodian troops firing into the Thai territory of Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, prompting Thai forces to respond with measured force to protect national sovereignty and ensure the safety of personnel.
The Thai military’s response, according to Major General Suvari, was executed with caution, ensuring that retaliatory fire was directed solely at the source of the incoming threat and did not affect civilian areas. Retaliation was described as a last resort, ceasing immediately after the perceived threat subsided.
The Thai Army has categorically dismissed Cambodia’s accusations of provocation and ceasefire violations, asserting that the use of civilian areas as cover by Cambodian forces constitutes a violation of humanitarian principles. The Thai statement highlights the inhumanity of employing human shields, emphasizing a disregard for the safety and lives of Cambodian civilians.