Cambodia Reasserts Thailand Attacked First in Border Conflict, Cites "Chakrabongse Bhuvanath" Plan

Cambodia's Ministry of National Defense has vehemently denied Thailand's claims of initiating the border conflict last year, labeling them as baseless and false accusations. The ministry retorted that Thailand was the aggressor, citing the prior announcement of a military preparation plan dubbed "Chakrabongse Bhuvanath" as evidence. Responding to Thai Joint Information Center Director General Prapas Sonjaidee's accusation that Cambodia fired first, Cambodian Ministry of National Defense Spokesperson Major General Mali Suchata stated in a press release on the night of September 1st that such claims are untrue and lack factual basis. "In reality, it was the Thai side that first launched an armed attack against Cambodia," the spokesperson emphasized in the press release. "The Thai side, which attacked Cambodia first, cannot act as a victim and use self-defense as an excuse to legitimize its illegal military activities." The spokesperson wrote in the press release, recalling that "A few days before launching an unprovoked armed attack against Cambodia on July 24, 2025, the Thai side announced the military preparation plan 'Chakrabongse Bhuvanath.' The implementation of this plan clearly demonstrates that Thailand's military activities were meticulously planned and carried out with genuine intent, contrary to the Thai side's claim that its use of force was merely a response in self-defense." Major General Mali Suchata asserted that Thailand's attempt to use accusations of incitement, security concerns, and landmines as reasons to obstruct or delay the continuation of border demarcation work is inconsistent with the spirit and commitments stipulated in the Joint Statement of December 27, 2025. Cambodia calls on the Thai side to fully and effectively implement the Joint Statement of December 27, 2025, as soon as possible, especially by expediting the border demarcation work of the Joint Border Commission (JBC), in accordance with the existing agreements between the two countries. The Ministry of National Defense reiterated Cambodia's firm commitment to seeking a just, peaceful, and permanent solution to border issues based on international law and existing treaties and agreements between Cambodia and Thailand. Simultaneously, Cambodia will absolutely not accept the use of force or the establishment of faits accomplis as a means to define or change the border between the two countries.