This afternoon of December 8, Thai troops launched an attack on the Cambodian villages of Prey Chan and Chouk Chey, in O Beichoan commune, Ou ‘Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province, expanding on earlier attacks in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.
Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, vehemently condemned the Thai military forces for expanding the scope of their attack into Banteay Meanchey province and for indiscriminately firing heavy and small arms at civilian populations.
She said that shooting occurred at 1.36pm, after armed clashes in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces began at 5am.
“The defence ministry considers this attack a barbaric, cruel, brutal and warmongering act of aggression against Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she said.
She noted that the attack occurred after the Thais had engaged in provocative activities for several days, and had used social media to confuse public opinion, accuse and slander Cambodia as an excuse to create military tensions.
However, despite the tense situation and ongoing attacks, she stated: “Cambodian forces have not yet retaliated with any weapons”.
This restraint, she said, is to demonstrate adherence to peace agreements, ceasefires and the principle of peaceful resolution of issues, in accordance with international law, as agreed upon by both countries.
