Ông Hun Sen: Campuchia phải đánh trả ở biên giới với Thái Lan

Hun Sen said Cambodia had shown restraint and had to fight to protect its territory, while Thailand insisted it would only respond proportionately.

In a message posted on social media this morning, Senate President Hun Sen affirmed that Cambodia had been patient and respected the ceasefire, evacuating people to safety for more than 24 hours since the border conflict with Thailand escalated.

"However, from last night to this morning, we had to respond," he wrote, emphasizing that Cambodia "always wants peace but must fight back to protect its territory."

Mr. Hun Sen discusses border tensions with Thailand, in this photo released on December 9. Photo: Facebook/Samdech Hun Sen of Cambodia

Mr. Hun Sen also reiterated comments from Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul about the possibility of using force to attack 11 border posts. The president of the Cambodian Senate said he "did not understand which posts the Thai leader was referring to" and said the best way to determine this was "to have all armed forces attack every point where the enemy opens fire."

He also mentioned another comment from a Thai general that "Cambodia's defense capabilities need to be permanently neutralized." The president of the Cambodian Senate affirmed that Phnom Penh "will not sit idly by or accept being destroyed at the will of the outside," noting that the Cambodian army holds the advantage of the fortification system on the border and has counter-attack tactics. 

Thai Army spokesman Winthai Suvaree said the same day that fighting continued in many border areas with Cambodia, mainly using light weapons. While Thailand used mortars, Cambodia mobilized BM-21 multiple rocket launchers. 

At the Prasat Khana position in Surin province, Thailand has not recorded any more return fire from Cambodia, but still has to clear mines before declaring the situation completely stable.

In Sa Kaeo province, forces from the Thai Army Region 1 said they had "recaptured" a key position in Ban Nong Ya Kaew on December 8. The Thai military also recorded many mortar and artillery shells falling on Ban Khok Thahan, damaging two houses. At 6 a.m., the Burapha border force launched a "territorial control" operation in the Ban Nong Chan area.

Thais in Buriram province, near the Cambodian border, were evacuated to a shelter on December 8. Photo: AFP

Thailand's 2nd Military Region accused Cambodia of launching a new campaign on the morning of December 9, opening fire first with a series of BM-21 shells targeting four areas: Sam Taet, Phoo Phee, Chong Ta Tew and Prasat Ta Khuai. Thailand said it only responded in accordance with the rules of engagement to neutralize the threat and protect civilians. Bangkok stressed that the use of firepower was proportionate and only targeted the enemy's military positions.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called on both countries to exercise restraint, maintain dialogue and take advantage of existing bilateral mechanisms. He expressed deep concern over the casualties on all sides, while warning that the new conflict risks disrupting efforts to stabilize bilateral relations.

 Since the beginning of July, at least 50 people, both civilians and soldiers, on both sides have been killed in the fighting, and more than 300,000 people have been evacuated from conflict areas.