Thailand asserts right to self-defense after Cambodian attacks escalate

Thailand today condemned, in the strongest terms, the Cambodian armed forces’ attacks on civilian homes in Surin province, as well as the spreading of false information, alleging that Thailand fired the first shots.

In a strongly worded statement, the Thai government denounced, what it described as, “egregious and repeated violations of international law” by Cambodian forces, which targeted civilian areas in Surin province amid escalating border tensions.

“Thailand calls on Cambodia to cease attacking civilian targets immediately,” the Thai Foreign Ministry said in its press statement, adding, “Any cessation of hostilities cannot be reached while Cambodia is severely lacking in good faith and repeatedly violating the basic principles of human rights and humanitarian law.”

Thailand affirmed its inherent right to self-defense, as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter, and said it has responded with limited military action, targeting only threats to national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement also called on the international community to condemn "inhumane and reprehensible acts being committed by Cambodia, which have no place in a rules-based international order.”

Cambodian forces continued to attack Thai civilians in the northeastern province, despite its leader’s agreement to a ceasefire at the request of the U.S. president.

Meanwhile, the Ad Hoc Centre for Thailand-Cambodia Border Affairs’ deputy spokesman, Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri, said “Thailand agrees in principle with the proposal for a ceasefire. This can, however, only proceed when Cambodia demonstrates sincerity and engages in detailed discussions on procedural steps.”

“Nonetheless, in recent developments, Cambodian forces have continued to attack Thailand, including firing five BM-21 rockets into Thai territory at 6.10am today, striking a village in Surin province, a clearly civilian target,” he told a press briefing.

Moreover, on July 24, Cambodian artillery targeted and damaged two healthcare facilities; Phanom Dongrak Hospital in Surin province and Ban Kruad Hospital in Buri Ram province.

On July 26, Ban Chammeng Hospital in Si Sa Ket was also attacked, he added.

“There have also been instances of Cambodian forces using civilians as human shields during weapons deployment, which constitutes a blatant violation of human rights and a clear breach of the Geneva Convention,” he claimed.

He said evidence suggests that Cambodia has been continuously reinforcing its military presence and modifying fortified positions along the border. Additionally, anti-personnel landmines have been laid in the area, violating the Ottawa Convention.

The spokesperson further accused Cambodia of inciting its civilians to enter conflict zones along the border, using nationalistic rhetoric to stir up unrest and escalate tensions between the two countries.

“Intelligence reports indicate the potential deployment of more advanced weapons systems, such as the PHL-03 NIM70 and BM-21 rocket launchers, to the area,” he said.