Bangkok: The Thai Army has firmly rejected claims made by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, stating that Thailand is not the aggressor in the ongoing conflict and that Cambodia initiated hostilities by breaking the ceasefire agreement. The army emphasized its right to self-defense and its military response to what it describes as Cambodian provocations.
According to Thai News Agency, reports from Cambodian media indicated that Prime Minister Hun Sen had issued an urgent directive to frontline forces, alleging that Thailand had used heavy weaponry to shell Cambodian positions, describing these actions as provocations intended to incite a Cambodian response and undermine the ceasefire. Hun Sen reportedly instructed Cambodian soldiers to exercise patience and not retaliate until a specified “red line” was breached.
Major General Winthai Suvari, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, clarified today that throughout the conflict, Thailand has viewed Prime Minister Hun Sen as the true commander of Cambodian forces. He stated that accusations labeling Thailand as the aggressor are baseless, asserting that Cambodia initiated the conflict by deploying armed forces into Thai territory and using anti-personnel landmines along the border. He noted that since the ceasefire in July, Cambodia has continually engaged in provocative acts, leading Thailand to suspend joint agreements due to these violations.
Further complicating the situation, Major General Suvari pointed out that Cambodian forces have been actively firing upon Thai soldiers since December 7th, employing a variety of weapons and affecting civilian areas. The Thai Army reiterated its commitment to defending its sovereignty and the safety of its citizens in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.
The army spokesperson underscored that while Thailand did not initiate the violence, it is obligated to respond to any breaches of its sovereignty and will continue to exercise its right to self-defense until the threat along the border is neutralized.