Cambodia has rejected accusations from Thailand that its troops opened fire first in recent border clashes, insisting instead that it was the victim of aggression.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday that Cambodian forces did not retaliate and remained committed to peace, despite being attacked. The ministry called on ASEAN, the United Nations, and the wider international community to help ease tensions and restore confidence between the two neighbors.
Phnom Penh expressed concern over the continuing standoff along the border, urging Thailand to respect the ceasefire and pursue dialogue in line with international law.
The dispute escalated after Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow told the UN General Assembly on September 28 that Cambodia was “playing the victim” while Thai civilians and soldiers suffered from landmines and rocket attacks.
Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn countered that his country’s suffering was due to border violations by Thailand, which he said had repeatedly undermined the ceasefire and Cambodia’s sovereignty.
The Ministry of Interior also challenged Bangkok’s claim to be the victim, pointing to the deaths of Cambodian soldiers and Thailand’s unilateral border closures and military actions. Officials noted that Thailand had resisted third-party mediation and questioned why Bangkok feared taking the case to the International Court of Justice if its claims were genuine.
