AKP Phnom Penh, July 28, 2025 --

Thai forces have used chemical weapons in several battle zones along the Cambodian border, claimed Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, during a press briefing this morning.

“Today marks the fifth day of Thailand’s aggressive invasion. Thai forces are deploying increasingly dangerous and heavy weaponry along with large troop numbers, in clear violation of Cambodia's sovereignty,” she stated. “These actions threaten global peace and order and contravene both the UN and ASEAN Charters, as well as the fundamental principles of international law.”

According to the spokesperson, yesterday afternoon, Thai fighter jets dropped shells containing poisonous gas over the An Ses area. In Phnom Khmouch, she said, Thai forces employed suicide drones, cluster munitions, and chemical weapons.

Even though Cambodian and Thai leaders are heading to Malaysia today for urgent ceasefire talks, Thai forces have continued their attacks, she added.   

Lieutenant General Maly Socheata further noted that Thai authorities keep using unfounded allegations—accusing Cambodia of launching long-range PHL-03 missile strikes—as a pretext to escalate their use of deadly weapons.

Besides, she revealed that more than 134,700 civilians have been evacuated to safety zones. The crisis has also led to the closure of 600 schools, affecting approximately 150,000 students and 6,000 teachers.

Meanwhile, over the past five days, more than 400,000 Cambodian workers in Thailand have returned home to avoid discrimination and abuse. An additional 150,000 are expected to cross back into Cambodia today, she said.

By Heng Panha