In response to escalating tensions along the Thai–Cambodian border, the Royal Thai Armed Forces issued a strong statement on 27 July 2025, firmly rejecting allegations made by the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense and reaffirming Thailand’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and maintaining peace in the region.

On 27 July 2025 at 19:20 hours, Major General Vithai Laithomya, Spokesperson for the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, delivered a formal statement refuting the accusations made by Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense of the Kingdom of Cambodia, who falsely claimed that Thailand had violated Cambodian sovereignty and initiated attacks without factual basis or responsibility.

The Royal Thai Armed Forces categorically reject these unfounded and baseless allegations. Such claims are nothing more than a desperate attempt by the Cambodian side to divert attention from the fact that it was Cambodia that instigated the aggression and persistently violated Thailand’s sovereignty. Thailand has exercised utmost restraint, but when faced with armed aggression, the Kingdom has every right to defend itself and its territorial integrity.

Thailand condemns the blatant distortion of facts by Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, whose remarks aim to mislead the public and inflame tensions. The Cambodian government’s recent conduct reflects a lack of sincerity in seeking peaceful solutions.

The facts are as follows:

On 27 July 2025 at 02:00 hours, Cambodian forces initiated an artillery attack on the Chong Chom area, located well within Thai sovereign territory.

At 04:30 hours, heavy shelling was launched against Thai military positions near Ta Kwai Temple and Ta Muen Thom Temple.

By 06:40 hours, Cambodian artillery shells had struck civilian homes in Chong Chom District, Surin Province, Thailand, causing damage. Cambodian forces then attempted to further advance into Thai territory.

The most recent incident occurred at 17:00 hours, when Cambodia launched a BM-21 rocket attack into Thai territory, striking residential areas in Kantharalak District, Si Sa Ket Province, Thailand — approximately 20 kilometers from the border — resulting in one civilian fatality and one serious injury.

These deliberate strikes against civilian targets are inhumane, barbaric, and violate fundamental humanitarian principles.

Thailand’s response has been necessary and proportionate, aimed at protecting the lives and property of Thai citizens, as well as safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom. Such actions are in line with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which affirms the inherent right of every nation to self-defense. Thailand has no intention of escalating the conflict, but it will not tolerate any violation of its sovereignty or threats to national security.

Thailand remains firmly committed to resolving disputes through peaceful means, in accordance with international law, and to respecting the sovereignty of all nations. Nonetheless, we call upon Cambodia to immediately cease its disinformation campaign, provocations, and illegal actions that infringe upon Thailand’s sovereignty.

The Royal Thai Armed Forces urge the international community to take note of the facts and to collectively call upon Cambodia to comply with international law and end its unlawful aggression — in order to restore peace and stability to the region without delay.

Images show damage to civilian properties in Thailand, caused by Cambodian military shelling.