Cambodia accuses Thailand of "brutal aggression" in cross-border assault

The Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia has issued a sharply worded statement denouncing what it termed a “brutal and illegal military aggression” by neighbouring Thailand.

The ministry accused Thai forces of violating Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity through a series of escalating cross-border attacks carried out on the morning of July 24, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

According to the statement, the incident began at approximately 6:30 AM when Thai troops crossed into Cambodian territory by scaling the sacred Ta Moan Thom temple. Thai forces allegedly positioned soldiers around the base of the temple under the cover of secrecy. Just over half an hour later, at 7:04 AM, the Thai military reportedly initiated a drone reconnaissance mission over the area, which lasted two minutes. This was followed by live ammunition fire at 8:30 AM.

At 8:46 AM, Cambodian troops stationed near the Ta Moan Thom temple reportedly came under direct and unprovoked fire from the Thai army. The confrontation then widened, with Thai forces allegedly targeting the Ta Krabei temple and the Phnom Khmao area. The Cambodian Defence Ministry further reported that the hostilities expanded to the Mom Bei region in Preah Vihear province, where Thai fighter aircraft dropped two bombs along Wat Kaew Sikkhakirivoraram Road—an area firmly within Cambodian territory.

In response, Cambodia’s armed forces returned fire at 8:47 AM, invoking the right to self-defence against foreign military aggression inside national borders.

The Cambodian Ministry of Defence accused Thailand of deploying disproportionately large forces and using heavy weaponry in an attempt to forcibly occupy Cambodian territory. The ministry described these actions as a "flagrant breach of the United Nations Charter, ASEAN principles, and the core tenets of international law."

“These unlawful and irresponsible acts pose a serious threat to regional peace and security and jeopardize the foundations of the international legal order,” said ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata. She urged the international community to issue a clear and firm condemnation of Thailand’s conduct and to hold the Thai government fully accountable for what she described as "reckless violations."

While reaffirming Cambodia’s preference for resolving disputes through legal and diplomatic channels, the Defence Ministry emphasized that the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces are fully prepared to defend national sovereignty “at all costs,” in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter, which affirms a state's inherent right to self-defence.

“We reaffirm our sovereign right to safeguard our territorial integrity and protect our people. Cambodia will never yield to pressure or intimidation in any form,” Socheata declared.

She concluded by stating: “The Royal Government, our armed forces, and the Cambodian people stand in unshakable unity in defending our land, our dignity, and our sovereignty—without hesitation or compromise.”

By Tamilla Hasanova