The Cambodian Senate has expressed its strongest condemnation of the “intentional and illicit military aggression” launched by the armed forces of Thailand on July 24. The Thai strikes were reported to have caused widespread damage to pagodas and temples.
In a statement released last night, July 24, the Senate said the hostile acts, which took place near the sacred temples of Ta Mone Thom, Ta Mone Touch, Ta Krabey, Mom Bei, and other locations within Cambodia’s internationally recognised borders, constitute a direct violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and a grave breach of international law, including the UN Charter.
“The Senate unequivocally condemns the armed incursion by Thai military forces, which resulted in clashes and endangered peace and stability along the Cambodia-Thailand border. This act constitutes a serious violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty, a threat to regional peace and is a breach of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter prohibiting the use of force against the territorial integrity of any state,” it said.
It noted Cambodia’s inherent right to self-defence, as stated under Article 51 of the UN Charter, adding that Cambodian armed forces acted with professionalism and restraint in exercising this right, defending national territory and the safety of Cambodian citizens.
“The Senate asserts that the areas surrounding the Ta Mone Thom, Ta Mone Touch and Ta Krabey temples and Mom Bei lie well within Cambodian territory, as confirmed by historical treaties, internationally recognised maps and relevant international legal determinations. Cambodia’s military presence in these areas is lawful and fully within its sovereign rights,” it stated.
The Senate expressed their full support and respect for the bravery and discipline of the soldiers, who have fulfilled their constitutional duty with courage and honour in the face of external aggression.
They also called upon the international community including the UN, ASEAN and all peace-loving nations to take urgent and decisive action in response to this grave violation.
There have been no official reports of casualties in Cambodia as of yet, but a 70-year-old Buddhist clergyman was reportedly killed when a Thailand F-16 fighters dropped bombs on Oddar Meanchey province’s Ta Mone Senchey pagoda, in Banteay Ampil district. The US-made fighter jet also reportedly bombed a nearby health centre.
Meth Meas Pheakdey, spokesperson for the Oddar Meanchey administration, confirmed that one civilian was killed and five others injured in the Thai attack, on the afternoon of July 24.
Thai media reported last night that 12 Thai people have been killed in the exchange of fire between the two neighbouring Kingdoms
