Morning Press Briefing – Update on the Thai invasion of Cambodia

Morning Press Briefing – Update on the Thai invasion of Cambodia

Takeaway
Key Intervention by H.E. CHUM Sounry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International CooperationSpokesperson:

1. Before the meeting, the United Nations Security Council circulated a report to all its member states. The report underscored two key points:

a) The report underscored the differing positions between Cambodia and Thailand—Cambodia was the first to submit a letter requesting an emergency meeting of the Security Council, followed by a letter from the Thai side. However, Thailand did not request the convening of a UN Security Council meeting.

b) The report mentioned the mediation efforts of the Malaysian Prime Minister, noting that as the ASEAN Chair, he proposed a ceasefire between the two parties, which Cambodia accepted. The Thai side initially agreed to the ceasefire proposal but later reversed its position and refused to accept it.

2. At the United Nations Security Council meeting, the Permanent Representative of Cambodia to the United Nations in New York was invited to deliver an intervention first. In this intervention, Cambodia informed the Security Council about the large-scale attacks by the Thai armed forces on Cambodian territory since July 24, targeting several multiple Cambodian positions along the border, including the Ta Moan Thom, Ta Krabey, and Preah Vihear temples.
In this large-scale attack, Thailand deployed F-16 fighter jets, tanks, cluster bombs, and other heavy artillery, resulting in damage, civilian deaths, and injuries, as well as destruction of various civilian infrastructure. In an intervention, Cambodia informed the United Nations Security Council of its decision to refer Area 4 to the International Court of Justice. Cambodia also emphasized our call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and a peaceful resolution. After the Cambodia, Thailand’s Permanent Representative was invited to address the meeting.

In conclusion, members of the United Nations Security Council called for maximum restraint and urged a peaceful resolution to avoid armed violence. According to a preliminary report from the Permanent Representative of Cambodia in New York, three countries, including Myanmar, Sierra Leone, and Somalia, have acknowledged Cambodia’s call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

3. After the meeting, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General told reporters that the UN Secretary-General calls for the utmost restraint.