PHNOM PENH: Both a Cambodian government spokesperson and the Ministry of Defence spokesperson have repeatedly denied Thai accusations that Cambodian forces violated the ceasefire agreement after midnight last night.
On Tuesday (July 29), a Thai army spokesperson, a Thai foreign ministry spokesperson, and Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai each accused Cambodia of breaching the ceasefire both morning and evening, while Cambodian statements insisted its forces remained calm to de-escalate tensions.
In a statement issued by the Thai government on Tuesday afternoon, Thailand claimed that Cambodian forces “violated the agreement by continuing indiscriminate attacks on Thai territory along various border areas, even after the ceasefire period had expired”.
The statement noted that the Thai government tasked its foreign ministry with informing the international community, particularly the US, China, and Malaysia which witnessed the ceasefire negotiations on July 28.
Thailand reiterated that it would not allow anyone to violate its sovereignty and instructed its military to remain fully prepared.
However, Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, firmly rejected these accusations.
“As the spokesperson for the defence ministry, I categorically reject the claims by the Thai army spokesperson which alleged continued fighting. I confirm that the Cambodian armed forces have strictly adhered to the ceasefire orders and agreement since 00:00 on July 28,” she told a press conference.
Similarly, Pen Bona, head of the Royal Government Spokesperson Unit, stated that Cambodian forces have followed orders and maintained calm since the ceasefire took effect.
“The spokesperson unit firmly rejects Thailand’s accusations of violations of the ceasefire agreement. The Cambodian government considers these baseless and false allegations to be made with malicious intent, contributing nothing to the implementation of the ceasefire,” he said.
He added that Cambodia urges Thailand to act with sincerity in upholding the agreement. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
