Keynote Address by H.E. Chum Sounry, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and InternationalCooperation (MoFAIC):
07:00AM, August 6, 2025
Cambodia takes note of the report published by select Thai media on 5 August 2025 concerning the Thai government’s announcement of legal action against Cambodia. This legal measure is entirely baseless and constitutes a deliberate attempt to divert both domestic and international attention from Thailand’s hostile policy toward Cambodia, particularly its unprovoked attacks on Cambodian territory. This move appears intended to deflect mounting criticism over civilian casualties, violations of international humanitarian law, and Thailand’s repeated failure to comply with the ceasefire agreement.
The accusations underlying the legal actions are unfounded, politically motivated, and entirely devoid of credible basis. Cambodia categorically rejects these claims and reaffirms the following key points:
First, Cambodia did not initiate hostilities. The recent border conflict was provoked by repeated incursions and unprovoked artillery fire by Thai military forces into Cambodian territory, constituting a clear violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty.
Second, Cambodia acted in legitimate self-defence. The response of the Cambodian Armed Forces was proportionate, measured, and fully in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, aimed solely at protecting Cambodia’s territorial integrity and safeguarding its civilian population.
Third, Cambodia has never targeted civilians. While civilian casualties on both sides are deeply regrettable, Thailand’s accusations fail to acknowledge that its armed forces have repeatedly operated within civilian-populated areas, in clear violation of the Geneva Conventions. The Cambodian Armed Forces have consistently adhered to international humanitarian law and have never deliberately targeted civilian populations.
Fourth, Cambodia remains committed to peace. Despite ongoing provocations, Cambodia reaffirms its full commitment to the ceasefire agreement. Cambodia calls on Thailand to cease its disinformation campaign, end all hostile actions, and return to constructive dialogue in the spirit of peaceful coexistence and ASEAN solidarity.
