Thailand’s Legal Threats Against Cambodia Are Unfounded, Politically Motivated, and Lack Any Credible Basis, MOFAIC’s Spokesperson

Thailand’s Legal Threats Against Cambodia Are Unfounded, Politically Motivated, and Lack Any Credible Basis, MOFAIC’s Spokesperson

Phnom Penh, August 6, 2025 — H.E. Chum Sounry, Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) of the Kingdom of Cambodia, has strongly condemned recent statements and legal threats issued by the Government of Thailand, which he described as entirely unfounded and politically motivated.

During a press briefing held this morning at the Office of the Council of Ministers, in the context of updating the media on the implementation of the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire agreement, H.E. Chum Sounry addressed what he referred to as “Deep Concern” over reports circulating in several Thai media outlets on August 5, 2025. These reports cited the Thai government’s intention to initiate legal proceedings against Cambodia, actions which he stated lacked any legal basis and appeared to be a deliberate attempt to divert both domestic and international attention away from Thailand’s own hostile actions, particularly its unprovoked military aggression against Cambodian territory.

The spokesperson emphasized that the Thai government’s invocation of legal mechanisms demonstrated a clear intention to deflect growing scrutiny over its own violations of international humanitarian law, including harm inflicted upon civilians and the repeated breaches of the bilateral ceasefire agreement.

H.E. Chum Sounry categorically rejected Thailand’s accusations and reaffirmed several key points as follow:

1. Cambodia did not start hostilities:

The recent border clashes were initiated by the incursion of Thai troops into Cambodian territory and the launching of artillery strikes, which constitute a direct violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty.

2. Cambodia has acted strictly within its right to lawful self-defence:

The actions taken by the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) were proportional responses in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, aimed solely at protecting Cambodia’s sovereignty and its civilian population.

3. Cambodia has never targeted civilians:

While civilian casualties in both countries are deeply regrettable, Thailand’s allegations overlook the fact that its own military operations were conducted in areas densely populated by civilians—thus violating the Geneva Conventions. In contrast, Cambodian forces have fully respected international humanitarian law and have not targeted civilians under any circumstances.

4. Cambodia remains committed to peace:

Despite Thai provocations, Cambodia reaffirms its commitment to the ceasefire agreement and urges Thailand to immediately cease the dissemination of misinformation and hostile actions. Cambodia calls for a return to constructive dialogue within the spirit of ASEAN solidarity, peace, and cooperation.