AKP Phnom Penh, July 24, 2025 --

The Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia has issued a strong condemnation of what it calls the brutal and unlawful military aggression by Thailand, asserting that the actions constitute a grave violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to a statement released by the Ministry this morning, on July 24 at approximately 06:30, Thai forces violated existing agreements by climbing onto Ta Mone Thom Temple and placing barbed wire at the base of the temple. At 07:04, a Thai drone was launched and flew over the area for two minutes. By 08:30, Thai forces fired upwards in the area, escalating further at 08:46, when they allegedly opened fire on Cambodian troops at Ta Mone Thom Temple. The attacks soon expanded to include Ta Krabey Temple, the Phnum Khmoch area, and the Mom Bei area. Moreover, Thai fighter jets were used to drop two bombs on the road leading to Wat Keo Sikha Kirisvarak. Those areas are situated in the Cambodian provinces of Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear.

At 08:47, in response to the aggression, the Cambodian armed forces exercised their legitimate right to self-defence within Cambodia’s sovereign territory.

“Thailand’s use of heavy weapons and the excessive deployment of troops in an incursion into Cambodian territory is a clear violation of the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and fundamental principles of international law,” the statement read. “Such irresponsible and unlawful actions represent a serious threat not only to regional peace and stability but also to the foundations of the international order.”

The Ministry of National Defence called on the international community to unequivocally condemn Thailand’s actions and to hold the Thai government fully accountable for its repeated and flagrant violations. Cambodia urged Thailand to immediately cease all hostilities, withdraw its forces, and return to its side of the border.

While reaffirming its commitment to a peaceful resolution through legal and diplomatic channels, the Ministry stressed that the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) remain fully prepared to defend the Kingdom’s sovereignty and its people by all necessary means.

“In accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, Cambodia reserves the legitimate right to self-defence and will respond resolutely to Thailand’s aggression,” the statement continued.

“The Kingdom of Cambodia reaffirms its commitment to peace,” the Ministry added, “but equally reaffirms its sovereign right, as enshrined in international law, to defend its territorial integrity and the safety of its people at all costs. Cambodia will not succumb to coercion or intimidation of any kind.”

The Ministry also urged journalists and social media users to refrain from sharing unverified information, images, or videos—especially those showing military movements, trenches, or weaponry—that could jeopardise national security or spread misinformation.

By Heng Panha