Defence ministry: Thailand was aggressor, ‘self-defence’ claims groundless
The Thai military announced the ‘Chakraphong Phuvanaat military strategy’ on July 23, 2025, one day prior to the first outbreak of hostilities following an incident where a Thai soldier stepped on a landmine. Thai PBS
The Ministry of National Defence has reiterated its position that Thailand was the aggressor in last year’s border conflict, asserting that Thai forces acted according to a pre-meditated military plan while now attempting to portray themselves as the victims.
Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata on the evening of September 1 dismissed “baseless” allegations made by Prapas Sonjaidee, director of Thailand’s Joint Information Center, who had accused Cambodia of initiating fire.
“Cambodia wishes to reaffirm that it was, in fact, the Thai side that launched the first armed attack against Cambodia,” Socheata said.
“As the aggressor, Thailand cannot play the role of the victim or use the pretext of self-defence to justify its illegal military actions,” she said.
She recalled events from July last year, noting that prior to the “unprovoked” armed assault on July 24, 2025, Thailand had announced a retaliation strategy; the “Chakraphong Phuvanaat” military strategy.
Socheata argued that the rollout of this plan clearly demonstrated that Thai military actions were prepared and intentional, contradicting Bangkok’s claims that their use of force was merely a defensive response.
“In this sense, Thailand’s attempts to use allegations of provocation, security concerns and landmine issues as excuses to obstruct or delay border survey and demarcation work are inconsistent with the spirit and commitments set out in the Joint Statement of December 27, 2025,” she added.
Cambodia called on the Thai side to implement the December 27 agreement, specifically by expediting the work of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) in accordance with existing treaties between the two nations.
Socheata emphasised Cambodia’s commitment to a fair and peaceful resolution, asserting that the Kingdom will never accept the use of force or the creation of faits accomplish — irreversible facts established on the ground — as a means to define or alter the border.
-Phnom Penh Post-
