Senate President Hun Sen announced this morning that Cambodia has been patient, respected the ceasefire, and evacuated residents to safety for over 24 hours since the border conflict with Thailand escalated. However, he stated, "from last night to this morning, we had to retaliate", emphasizing that Cambodia "always wants peace but must fight back to defend its territory".

Hun Sen discusses border tensions with Thailand, in a photo released on 9/12. Photo: Facebook/Samdech Hun Sen of Cambodia

Hun Sen also addressed remarks from Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul regarding the potential use of force to attack 11 border positions. The Cambodian Senate President expressed his lack of understanding as to "which positions the Thai leader was referring to" and suggested that the most effective way to identify them was for "all armed forces to attack every point from which the enemy fires". He further noted a comment from Thai generals suggesting "Cambodia's defense capabilities need to be neutralized long-term". Hun Sen affirmed that Phnom Penh "would not sit idly by or accept being destroyed at the will of external parties", highlighting the Cambodian army's advantage in border fortifications and its possession of counter-attack tactics.

On the same day, Thai Army Spokesperson Winthai Suvaree reported continued fighting in several border areas with Cambodia, primarily involving light weapons. Thailand used mortars, while Cambodia deployed BM-21 multiple rocket launchers. At the Prasat Khana position in Surin province, Thailand recorded no further retaliatory fire from Cambodia but still needed to clear mines before declaring the situation fully stable.

In Sa Kaeo province, forces from the Thai First Army Region reported "reclaiming" a key position at Ban Nong Ya Kaew on 8/12. The Thai military also noted many mortar and artillery shells landing in Ban Khok Thahan, damaging two houses. By 6 AM, the Burapha border forces launched a "territorial control" operation in the Ban Nong Chan area.

Thai residents in Buriram province, near the Cambodian border, were evacuated to a shelter on 8/12. Photo: AFP

The Thai Second Army Region accused Cambodia on 9/12 morning of launching a new operation. They claimed Cambodia initiated fire with a barrage of BM-21 rounds targeting 4 areas: Sam Taet, Phoo Phee, Chong Ta Tew, and Prasat Ta Khuai. Thailand stated they only retaliated according to rules of engagement to neutralize threats and protect civilians. Bangkok emphasized that their use of firepower was proportionate and aimed solely at enemy military positions.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called on both countries to exercise restraint, maintain dialogue, and utilize existing bilateral mechanisms. He expressed deep concern over casualties on all sides, warning that a new conflict risked undermining efforts to stabilize bilateral relations.

By Thanh Danh (Source: Khmer Times, Nation, Kiripost)