AKP Phnom Penh, June 20, 2025 --  Cambodia has dismissed a baseless allegation made by the Thai Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Nikorndej Balankura on June 19 that Cambodia abused diplomatic etiquette and damaged bilateral relations between the two countries.

Spokesperson of the Senate of Cambodia H.E. Chea Thirith turned down the allegation, making factual clarification that Thai troops were the first to open fire on the Cambodian side on May 28, 2025 in Preah Vihear province, killing a soldier, and Thailand unilaterally closed the border gates with Cambodia.

With those moves, he asked who the real diplomatic etiquette abuser is and why these actions are not considered a destruction of the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Minister Delegate Attached to the Prime Minister and Head of the Government Spokesperson Unit H.E. Pen Bona considered the shooting and killing of the Cambodian soldier on Cambodian territory, repeated threats to start a war with Cambodia, unilateral closure of the border, and the threat to cut off electricity and internet to Cambodia as the acts of tyranny and discrimination against Cambodia.

The deadly border incident and further provocations by the Thai side have escalated the tension between the two neighbours, particularly over the controversy in the Mom Bei area and the temple complexes of Ta Moan Thom, Ta Moan Tauch, and Ta Krabei.

While standing firm and unified to protect its territory and people, Cambodia, on June 15 submitted its official complaint to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over the border disputes for a long-term and peaceful resolution between the country and the neighbouring Thailand.

By Lim Nary