"All frontline forces must be patient, even though the enemy has used all types of weapons against us since 1/12, last night, and this morning, with the aim of provoking us to retaliate, thereby undermining the ceasefire and the Cambodia-Thailand Peace Declaration," Chairman of the Cambodian Senate Hun Sen stated today.

According to Hun Sen, a "red line" for retaliation has been established. He instructed military commanders to convey this to their officers and soldiers. He also urged local authorities to make efforts to assist residents in evacuating from dangerous areas.

"I have canceled all other work schedules to join the Prime Minister in commanding the armed forces against the attack," the Chairman of the Cambodian Senate emphasized. However, he noted that Cambodian athletes participating in the SEA Games 33 in Thailand should compete as usual.

Chairman of the Cambodian Senate Hun Sen (left) and Prime Minister Hun Manet at an event in Phnom Penh on 28/6. Photo: AFP

Hun Sen's statement came as fighting re-erupted in the disputed border area between Cambodia and Thailand on 7/12, with both sides accusing each other of firing first. Thailand reported that two of its soldiers were injured and residents in 4 provinces had to evacuate, while Cambodia requested an investigation into the shooting.

The Royal Thai Army announced that clashes continued on the morning of 8/12 in the Chong An Ma area in Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province. They accused Cambodian forces of opening fire with infantry weapons and other ordnance, forcing Thai forces to retaliate with corresponding equipment.

After one soldier was killed and 4 soldiers were injured in an attack on the Chong Bok area in Nam Yuen district, the Royal Thai Air Force deployed F-16 fighter jets in retaliation, targeting Cambodian artillery positions in the disputed border area.

The Royal Thai Air Force stated that its F-16 fighter jets "only targeted military objectives" within Cambodian territory. These included military infrastructure, weapons depots, command centers, and logistical routes deemed a direct threat.

The force also conducted post-airstrike assessments to ensure compliance with international standards for self-defense under the United Nations Charter, as well as the principles of necessity and proportionality in international law.

"All missions were planned and executed in accordance with security procedures and relevant international law, with the highest priority given to preventing civilian casualties," the force added.

The disputed border area and temple (brown square dot) between Cambodia and Thailand. Graphic: Britannica

Meanwhile, Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense accused Thailand of launching a series of attacks on its soldiers along the border in Preah Vihear province. According to Phnom Penh, Thai forces initially fired at Cambodian military personnel in the An Ses area before deploying tanks to open fire on Tamone Thom temple, the area near Preah Vihear temple, and Chomka Chek.

Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense contended that Thailand's actions gravely violated the peace agreement signed by both sides six weeks ago. They also stated that Cambodian forces "exercised maximum restraint" and did not return fire, adding that the country's commanders are monitoring the situation "with vigilance and utmost caution."

Huyen Le (According to Khmer Times, Nation Thailand)