After 24 Hours of Restraint, Cambodian Troops Now Launching Self-Defense Operations Against Thai Invasion Threats
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – Following more than 24 hours of maximum restraint—a period used to uphold the ceasefire agreement and evacuate civilians—the Cambodian armed forces have officially begun launching counterattacks in response to persistent Thai aggressive operations on Cambodian territory.
Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate, made the announcement via social media, confirming the shift in strategy.
“Yesterday evening, we responded, and last night and this morning we also did,” he stated, signaling a clear operational change.
I. Responding to Threats of Invasion and Destruction
Targeting the Source of Aggression
Samdech Techo Hun Sen addressed the escalation by referencing previous Thai military statements. He recalled that Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had reportedly announced Thailand’s intention to use military force to occupy 11 specific locations.
Acknowledging uncertainty over the exact targets, the Senate President issued a direct command: “To make it simple, all branches of the Cambodian forces must strike any point from which attacks are launched against us.”
A Strategy to Defeat the Aggressor
Samdech Techo Hun Sen directly confronted the stated Thai military objective, which a commander claimed was to “destroy Cambodia’s defence capabilities long-term” to ensure Thai security.
“We are not going to sit back and let you destroy us as you said,” he stressed.
He contrasted the two sides’ battlefield positions: “We defend our territory with strong trenches and all kinds of weapons, while the aggressors mobilise their forces to attack our positions. They cannot bring their trenches with them, and their heads are not covered with iron.”
He explained the tactical advantage this shift provides: “This situation gives us the opportunity to implement a strategy to weaken and destroy enemy forces through counterattacks.”
II. Defending the Self-Defense Stance
Rejecting Criticisms of Cambodia’s Posture
The Senate President acknowledged and dismissed the inevitable international criticism that follows Cambodia’s actions, regardless of the approach taken.
He asked those critics: “When we defended ourselves in July, some accused Cambodia of being a warmonger. When we exercised maximum restraint and sought peaceful solutions, they accused us of being afraid of Thailand or giving up land in exchange for peace. Now that we are counterattacking in self-defence, what will they say?“
Samdech Techo Hun Sen concluded with an assertive final statement on the necessity of the current action: “Cambodia wants peace, but Cambodia is forced to fight back to defend its territory.”
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