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Hun Manet Urges UN Action Over Thai Border Incursion

Read more: https://english.cambodiadaily.com/2025/07/24/hun-manet-urges-un-action-over-thai-border-incursion/

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called on Asim Iftikhar, the rotating president of the United Nations Security Council, to convene an emergency meeting in response to what he describes as an armed incursion by Thai forces into Cambodian territory.

In a letter dated July 24, Hun Manet requested urgent intervention to halt what he termed deliberate attacks by Thai troops along the border, including at the Ta Moan Thom Temple, Ta Krabei Temple and the Mom Bei area.

He said the border crisis stems from Thailand’s claim to Cambodian sovereign land based on an unilaterally drawn map lacking legal basis. He added that the action violates the spirit and letter of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding signed by both countries.

According to Hun Manet, Thailand used the pretext of a landmine explosion to justify its actions, even though the incident occurred after Thai troops deviated from a jointly agreed patrol path and constructed a new road through a former war zone still contaminated with unexploded ordnance.

The Cambodian leader said his country’s forces had no choice but to respond in self-defense to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stated that the Thai military incursion appeared premeditated despite the existence of the 1904 and 1907 Franco-Siamese treaties, which both sides have officially recognized.

At 8:46 a.m. on July 24, Thai troops reportedly opened fire on Cambodian soldiers stationed at Ta Moan Thom Temple. The fighting later spread to Ta Krabei Temple, Phnom Khmao, and the Mom Bei area. Cambodian officials say Thai forces used both fi****ms and two aerial munitions during the operation.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the incident as a serious violation of international law and called on Thailand to immediately cease all hostilities and withdraw its forces behind its own border.

The Cambodian government reiterated its commitment to peace, dialogue and a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed Cambodia’s right to self-defense as enshrined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter and pledged to take all necessary measures to defend the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and the safety of its people.

Following the confrontation, Cambodian troops regained full control of both Ta Krabei and Ta Moan Thom temples. Cambodian officials say several Thai soldiers were killed or wounded in the fighting, while others abandoned their weapons and retreated.

At a press conference held today, Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense claimed Thai attacks had targeted not only military positions but also areas inhabited by civilians. Cambodian forces, according to the ministry, confined their counterattack to Thai military sites.

Addressing the same issue, ruling party leader Hun Sen accused Thai Second Army Region commander Bunshin Phatklang of initiating the conflict. He said Bunshin Phatklang ordered the closure of Ta Moan Thom Temple on Wednesday and launched the assault against Cambodian troops the following day.

Hun Sen concluded by saying he is watching closely how the Thai commander carries out what he reportedly boasted would be a three-day takeover of Cambodian territory.