The Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia has firmly rejected and condemned what it described as Thailand’s baseless and irresponsible accusations that Cambodia initiated recent hostilities. The statement was issued on the morning of July 27, 2025, amid escalating tensions along the border.
Speaking at a press briefing, Ministry spokesperson and Secretary of State Maly Socheata said Thailand’s claims were not only false but appeared aimed at diverting attention from what she called repeated violations of Cambodian sovereignty and international law by Thai forces.
According to Maly Socheata, the facts on the ground tell a different story. She asserted that it was Thailand that launched the initial attacks on Cambodian territory. She detailed a series of coordinated Thai military actions that took place in the early hours of July 27.
At 2:00 a.m., Thai forces reportedly fired artillery into the Veal Intry area. Thirty minutes later, she said, additional bombing targeted Ta Thav, Phnom 333 and Phnom Kmoch. By 4:50 a.m., further shelling was directed at the Ta Moan Thom and Ta Krabei temple sites. Then at 6:00 a.m., Thai ground troops reportedly entered Phnom Khmao, An Ses and the Veal Intry area.
The spokesperson added that by 6:30 a.m., a large-scale ground incursion was underway involving Thai infantry and armored vehicles advancing into multiple Cambodian locations including Veal Intry 5 Makara, Phnom Khmao and An Ses.
Maly Socheata described the offensive as a deliberate and premeditated act of aggression. She noted that the renewed hostilities came despite ongoing efforts by United States President Donald Trump to negotiate a ceasefire, including late-night diplomacy on July 26.
