Cambodia Denies Firing First, Accuses Thailand of Launching Unprovoked Attack
Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Spokesperson of the Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia
PHNOM PENH, September 2, 2026 — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence has categorically rejected what it described as unfounded and false claims by Thailand’s Joint Information Centre, which alleged that Cambodia was the side that fired first during the Cambodia–Thailand armed conflict.
In a press release issued Tuesday, Cambodia asserted that Thailand was the side that first launched an unprovoked armed attack against Cambodian territory, arguing that Thailand cannot portray itself as the victim or invoke self-defence to justify its military actions.
Cambodia further pointed to Thailand’s announcement of the “Chakrabongse Bhuvanath” war-readiness plan several days before the July 24, 2025 armed conflict, saying the plan demonstrated that Thailand’s military actions had been premeditated and deliberate, contrary to Bangkok’s claim that its use of force was a defensive response.
The Cambodian Defence Ministry also rejected attempts to use alleged provocations, security concerns and landmine issues as grounds to obstruct or delay the resumption of joint survey and boundary demarcation work.
According to Cambodia, such actions are inconsistent with the commitments contained in the Joint Statement of December 27, 2025.
Cambodia has therefore called on Thailand to fully, effectively and immediately implement the December 27 Joint Statement, particularly by promptly resuming the survey and boundary demarcation work of the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) in accordance with existing bilateral agreements.
The Cambodian government reiterated that it remains committed to achieving a just, peaceful and lasting solution to the boundary issue based on international law and existing treaties and agreements between the two countries.
At the same time, Cambodia stressed that it will not accept the use of force or the creation of faits accomplis as a means of determining or altering the Cambodia–Thailand boundary.
