Spokesperson: Thai military begins use of poison gas in Phnom Khmoch area despite Acting Prime Minister’s attendance at ceasefire talks in Malaysia

Spokesperson: Thai military begins use of poison gas in Phnom Khmoch area despite Acting Prime Minister’s attendance at ceasefire talks in Malaysia

Spokesperson: Thai military begins use of poison gas in Phnom Khmoch area despite Acting Prime Minister’s attendance at ceasefire talks in Malaysia

At a press conference held Monday morning, July 28, 2025, at the Peace Palace, Office of the Council of Ministers, Her Excellency General Mali Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, stated that the Thai military had begun using poison gas in the Phnom Khmoch region. This occurred even as Cambodia’s Acting Prime Minister was en route to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to attend ceasefire negotiations scheduled for the same day.

According to the spokesperson:

“At 5:06 PM, Thai forces used suicide drones, cluster munitions, and poison gas in the Phnom Khmoch area. These attacks continued into July 28, 2025, despite both governments having agreed to high-level talks in Kuala Lumpur aimed at reaching a ceasefire today. Furthermore, at 3:10 AM, Thai forces resumed offensive operations, launching preemptive strikes against Cambodian positions at Prasat Ta Moan Thom and Prasat Ta Krabey, with shelling continuing until 5:07 AM.”

The spokesperson emphasized that this marks the fifth consecutive day of Thai military incursion into Cambodia’s sovereign territory. The conflict began when Thai forces launched a surprise attack on Cambodian troops stationed at Prasat Ta Moan Thom at 8:46 AM on Thursday, July 24, 2025. In response, Cambodia exercised its legitimate right to self-defense and returned fire.