Thai FM: ‘Cambodia violated humanity, not just borders’

No country could condone Cambodia’s indiscriminate attacks, which target non-military sites such as hospitals and result in numerous civilian casualties, tragically including children, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said today.

He criticised Cambodia for continuing to portray itself as a responsible member of the international community, while its recent conduct contradicts that very claim.

“Cambodia initiated the attacks and has committed serious violations of fundamental principles, particularly by carrying out indiscriminate and inhumane attacks on innocent civilians,” Maris claimed.

These actions not only violate Thailand’s sovereignty, but also constitute a serious breach of international law, the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law, he added.

Among the victims was an eight-year-old boy, killed during a strike on a convenience store at a petrol station in Si Sa Ket’s Kantharalak district on July 24.

At the time of the attacks on Thailand’s four northeastern provinces, Maris was in New York attending a high-level United Nations meeting.

Speaking at a press conference at the Foreign Ministry today, he said Cambodia’s actions “violated basic morality and common humanity” and must be “fully condemned by the international community without delay.”

Maris confirmed that the Foreign Ministry had already issued a statement condemning Cambodia “in the strongest possible terms.”

In response to Cambodia’s actions, Thailand has downgraded diplomatic relations, recalled its ambassador, and expelled the Cambodian envoy.

The Thai government has called on Cambodia to take full responsibility for the attacks that claimed innocent lives and to cease its repeated attacks on both military personnel and civilians immediately.

Maris also referred to landmines, which he claimed had been newly laid by Cambodian forces and which have maimed several Thai soldiers, leaving two permanently disabled. He described these actions as “unacceptable.”

The foreign minister also praised the courage of Thai soldiers, who have been on the front lines since the initial clashes.

He also reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to resolving the conflict peacefully, through dialogue and in good faith, but noted that Cambodia’s continued violations have left the Thai government with no choice but to raise the issue with the international community.

During his meetings at the UN, Maris said he briefed fellow member states on Thailand’s position and the serious violations both of international law and Thai sovereignty committed by Cambodia.