Morning Press Briefing – Update on the Thai invasion of Cambodia

Morning Press Briefing – Update on the Thai invasion of Cambodia

Takeaway
Intervention by H.E. Pen Bona, Royal Government Spokesperson:

Royal Government Spokesperson Pen Bona provides clarification to both the national and international public regarding the misleading claims made by Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, who falsely accused Cambodia of targeting civilians and committing war crimes while presenting himself as peace-loving and tolerant:

1. Cambodia categorically rejects the groundless and distorted accusations made by the Acting Prime Minister of Thailand, which are entirely contrary to the truth. Cambodia also strongly condemns Thailand’s blatant act of aggression and violation of international law against Cambodia’s territorial integrity.

2. Cambodia is the victim of Thai aggression—a fact well recognized by all. The Cambodian people and military have faced constant threats from the Thai armed forces, culminating in a large-scale military assault launched on July 24. Faced with such hostility, Cambodia had no option but to exercise its legitimate right to self-defense in accordance with both international and national law in order to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Therefore, Cambodia is a victim who is only exercising the right to self-defense.

3. In reference to attacks targeting the civilians, I would like to inform that Thailand has dropped bombs and opened fire on civilians in Cambodia:

a) Thailand dropped bombed on a temple in the Banteay Ampil district of Oddar Meanchey province, destroying the place of worship and resulting in the death of a layman.

b) Thailand dropped bombed on a health center in Choam Ksant district, Preah Vihear province, which has severely affected the well-being of the Cambodian people.

c) Thailand opened fire on numerous villages and homes, causing many civilian deaths and injuries, including those of children.

d) They have also attacked a gas station in Oddar Meanchey province.

e) Thailand has targeted the Preah Vihear temple, damaging this World Heritage Site, with the explicit intention of erasing its significance.

f) Furthermore, Thailand opened fire on a school in Samrong city where Cambodian students are studying. To make matters worse, they deployed cluster bombs, which are prohibited by international law, constituting extremely inhumane acts against Cambodia. Therefore, we can conclude that what Thailand is doing is a true crime against humanity, which Cambodia strongly condemns as a heinous act.

4. I would also like to urge all citizens to be cautious about fake news. Before believing any information, please verify it properly and only rely on official sources that provide accurate information.