Cambodia, through the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), has submitted an urgent communication to a global munitions watchdog to draw its attention to Thailand’s unlawful use of cluster munitions on Cambodian territory. In a July 28 letter to Carlos D. Sorreta, president of the Thirteenth Meeting of States Parties of the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the CMAA explained that on July 24, Thai armed forces launched “coordinated and premeditated attacks” on Cambodian military positions in the provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey, including at Ta Mone Thom Temple, Ta Krabey Temple and Mom Bei. The situation…
Author: Niem Chheng
Cambodian and Thailand have finally agreed to a ceasefire, effective from midnight tonight, July 28, thanks to the facilitation of ASEAN chair Anwar Ibrahim, prime minister of Malaysia, and the support of the administration of US President Donald Trump. The agreement follows five days of intense fighting, with military and civilian casualties reported on both sides of the disputed border, along with damage to civilian infrastructure and the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear Temple.Both Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed their willingness for an immediate ceasefire and return to normalcy. “Both Cambodia and Thailand reached a…
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reiterated that the US wants the Cambodia-Thailand conflict to end as soon as possible, with the US actively supporting both countries. “Cambodia and Thailand are scheduled to begin high-level talks in Malaysia shortly in hopes of achieving an immediate ceasefire. State department officials are on the ground in Malaysia to assist these peace efforts,” he said, via the social media platform X, this morning. “Both President Donald Trump and I remain engaged with our respective counterparts in each country and are monitoring the situation very closely. We want this conflict to end as…
The Cambodian Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training has urged brands and buyers sourcing from Thailand and consumers of Thai products and services to pay attention to the increasing violence and harassment being suffered by Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand. It noted that they appear to be the acts of Thai nationalists, following the beginning of armed conflict on the border. In an open letter, released today, the ministry said it is aware of video footage of multiple incidents — including assault and battery — allegedly perpetrated by non-state actors, including extremist groups, circulating on social media. The victims of…
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had a phone conversation with Cambodian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn this evening, Sunday, July 27. He urged the Cambodian government to deescalate tensions and agree to a ceasefire with Thailand amid the ongoing border dispute. State department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that Rubio highlighted US President Donald Trump’s strong desire for a peaceful resolution, reiterating the importance of an immediate ceasefire to prevent further escalation. The ongoing border dispute has raised serious concerns about regional stability. “The US is prepared to facilitate future discussions to ensure peace and stability…
The Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) has expressed its deepest regrets and condemned the deliberate and premeditated invasion and assault on Cambodia by Thai armed forces, especially, their use of cluster munitions, which it described as “humanitarian disaster” for innocent Cambodian civilians. In a July 27 statement, the CMAA observed that in the past 72 hours, lives have been lost, homes reduced to rubble and places of worship scarred by fire and steel. “Our beloved Preah Vihear Temple, a site of universal value to humanity and a world heritage, and a symbol of spiritual peace and national…
Prime Minister Hun Manet has praised the “brave, heroic” actions of the Cambodian armed forces and pay condolences to those who have been killed by Thai forces. “I commend the brave and heroic actions of our armed forces and national police, who are actively engaged in operations to protect our territorial integrity,” he said via social media, today, July 27. On July 26, authorities claimed that five Cambodian soldiers had been killed and 21 injured, while 8 civilians died and 50 were injured, since the conflict began. On the same day, local media reported that almost 10,000 migrant workers had…
Cambodia has denied accusations that it fired PHL-03 missiles into Thailand, as Thailand intensifies its attacks on Cambodia, with naval elements joining the fighting on the third day of fighting. During an afternoon press conference, Ministry of National Defence spokesperson Maly Socheata addressed Thai media reports which claimed that Cambodia had fired PHL-03 missiles into Thailand, an accusation she strongly denied. “The defence ministry also categorically denies and condemns Thailand’s malicious accusations and lies that Cambodia fired rockets into Laos territory, especially since Laos authorities have not made any such accusations. This claim was made directly by Thailand’s Army Region…
Almost 50 staff members of the Preah Vihear National Authority and civilians who were stranded at Preah Vihear Temple have been safely evacuated. According to the authority, 45 individuals, including workers, tourism agents, environmental workers and security personnel, were trapped on the Preah Vihear Temple mountain while performing their daily duties. They were unable to leave after the Thai military began striking the temple and its surrounding areas with artillery and F-16 aircraft, at around9am on July 24. At 10pm on July 25, the authority coordinated an evacuation, guiding the personnel down the mountain on foot via a path…
Cambodian authorities finally released casualty figures during a press conference this morning, July 26. According to the Ministry of National Defence, five soldiers have been killed and 21 injured, while eight civilians have lost their lives and 50 have been wounded, since Thailand opened fire on the morning of July 24. Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata noted that most of the casualties were suffered in Oddar Meanchey province. She said the fighting has forced tens of thousands of people to flee for safety. In Oddar Meanchey, more than 22,000 people from 6,577 families had fled, along with 3,112 families (more than…