Cambodia Defence Ministry Strongly Denies Thailand's 'First Strike' Allegation

The Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia has categorically rejected the unfounded and false claims by Air Chief Marshal Prapas Sonjaidee, Director of Thailand’s Joint Information Centre, alleging that Cambodia was the side that fired first. In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Ministry reiterated that Thailand was the side that first launched an unprovoked armed attack against Cambodia. The Cambodian side said Thailand, having initiated the attack against Cambodian territory, could not portray itself as the victim or invoke self-defence to justify its unlawful military actions. The Ministry also pointed out that several days before Thailand launched its armed attack against Cambodia on July 24, 2025, Thailand had announced the “Chakrabongse Bhuvanath” war-readiness plan. According to the Ministry, the introduction of the plan demonstrated that Thailand’s military actions had been premeditated and deliberate, contradicting its claim that the use of force was merely a defensive response. Cambodia also said Thailand’s attempt to cite alleged provocations, security concerns and landmine issues as grounds for obstructing or delaying the resumption of joint survey and boundary demarcation work was inconsistent with the spirit and commitments of the Joint Statement of Dec. 27, 2025. The Ministry of National Defence therefore called on Thailand to fully, effectively and immediately implement the Joint Statement, particularly by promptly resuming the survey and boundary demarcation work of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) in accordance with existing agreements between the two countries. Cambodia reaffirmed its firm commitment to seeking a just, peaceful and lasting solution to the boundary issue based on international law and existing treaties and agreements between Cambodia and Thailand. At the same time, Cambodia stressed that it would not accept the use of force or the creation of faits accomplis as a means of determining or altering the boundary between the two countries.