Thailand is continuing its assault on Cambodia for the 13th day. “Toxic smoke” has been widely used in the past few days, according to defence ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata, as she addressed the December 19 morning press briefing.
She said tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border have escalated, with Thai military forces reportedly continuing their aggression, in violation of the recently signed ceasefire agreement.
Socheata asserted that Thailand has consistently breached the ceasefire and the Joint Declaration signed by the prime ministers of both countries on October 26.
In the 4th Military Region, specifically Oddar Meanchey province, Thai forces reportedly continued their assault from the evening of December 18 into the early hours of December 19. They fired artillery into the historically significant areas of Ta Mone Temple and Damnak Sdech.
In the 5th Military Region, encompassing Banteay Meanchey and Pursat provinces, Thai military drones were reportedly used to drop bombs in the Thma Da area, Pursat province, from December 18 to the morning of December 19.
Socheata said the aggression intensified this morning at 4.54am, when Thai forces fired into the O’ Phluk Damrei area. A warship then fired artillery at 5.41am into Thma Da. Drones were also flown over Thma Da commune, violating Cambodian airspace.
In Prey Chan village, Banteay Meanchey province, Thai artillery strikes hit the village at 6am. In nearby Chouk Chey village, the Thai military reportedly sprayed toxic gas at almost 8am and again just before 9am,
Socheata reiterated that Cambodia reserves the right to self-defence and solely attacked Thai military targets and has never targeted civilian areas.
As of the evening of December 18, the civilian death toll stood at 18, including one infant, with at least 79 injured.
Cambodia has also demanded that Thailand cease the intentional dissemination of false information.
“This disinformation campaign is clearly designed to divert international attention from Thailand’s violations of international law by falsely portraying Cambodia as an aggressor, thereby serving as an excuse to increase tensions and support its ongoing aggression against the legitimate sovereign territory of Cambodia,” said Socheata.
“Cambodia calls on the international community to strongly condemn Thailand’s violations of the Joint Declaration and its repeated war crimes and unlawful activities, as well as demands that Thailand must take full responsibility for such brazen violations,” she added.
