On the morning of July 24, intense armed conflicts broke out between Cambodian and Thai troops in the border area of Cambodia and Thailand. As of 11 a.m., the Cambodian military still firmly controlled the battlefield, successfully preventing the Thai invasion, with no casualties reported; meanwhile, the number of injured Thai military personnel continued to rise, exceeding 10 people.
The conflicts were concentrated around the ancient temples of Ta Muen Thom and Ta Krabei in Oddar Meanchey Province, with the Thai military initiating the attack and spreading the conflict to the nearby "Triangle Area".
Mary Sujitra, spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Defense, stated that the Thai military was the party that provoked the conflict. The Cambodian military exercised its right to self-defense in accordance with the law, took decisive countermeasures, and resolutely defended national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet also emphasized that the Thai military initiated the attack, and Cambodia had no choice but to legally counterattack to protect national security.
Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a statement on the same day, stating that the Thai military launched attacks on multiple positions held by the Cambodian military in Oddar Meanchey Province, and the conflict quickly escalated to the "Triangle Area". He pointed out that Cambodia has always advocated resolving disputes through peaceful means, but faced with the military aggression of the Thai military, Cambodia could only take legal military countermeasures.
He further stated that the government, relevant departments, and local authorities, especially the armed forces, are actively and firmly dealing with the situation from both military and diplomatic levels, defending national interests, and fully supporting and assisting the people affected by the conflict.
Hun Manet called on all citizens to maintain firm confidence, continue to support the government and the troops fighting on the front lines. "Our soldiers hold their positions and bravely defend the national territorial security." He also encouraged the public to remain calm, stabilize their lives, and carry on with work and daily activities normally.
