Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet warns Thailand: Do not cross ‘red line'
After a brief period of calm, Manet took to social media this morning, July 22, stating that recently, Thai political and military leaders, as well as media outlets, have levelled baseless accusations against Cambodia. These include claims of interference in Thailand's internal politics and the planting of landmines. Thailand has also threatened unilateral action in disputed areas, such as Mom Bei and Ta Mone Thom Temple.
Manet emphasised that in areas under dispute or where sovereignty has not been clearly determined, no party has the right to take unilateral actions or measures. All actions must be mutually agreed upon by both sides beforehand.
'The red line remains the red line, unchanged. Do not violate it. Cambodia does not infringe on anyone, but Cambodia will not allow anyone to infringe upon it. Cambodia has sufficient capability and is fully prepared to defend itself and its territorial integrity, by all means, against any violations,' he said.
He added that Thailand's approach of 'spitting blood on others' is neither ethical nor honest, referring to a Khmer saying which mean blaming others for the repercussions of one's own actions. He said such methods should not be used if both countries genuinely aim to build mutual trust.
'Cambodia remains committed to seeking a solution to this issue through non-violent means, as quickly as possible, with clarity and sustainability,' he continued.
The nation is prepared to take additional measures to protect national interests, following its responses to Thailand's accusations and continuous defence of Cambodia's legitimacy, he added.
Recently, Thailand accused Cambodia of secretly planting landmines in the disputed areas, which caused an explosion that injured three Thai soldiers on patrol. Thai senior officials stated they would lodge a protest with Cambodia and the chair of the Ottawa Convention Committee and raise the issue at the UN this week.
Simultaneously, Thailand conducted mine-clearing operations in the Mom Bei area and constructed a concrete road there, sparking more anger within the Cambodian public.
Cambodia has rejected Thailand's accusations regarding the laying of new landmines, clarifying that they are remnants from the war era. Cambodia also reiterated its commitment to the Ottawa Convention's principles against the use of anti-personnel mines. The Kingdom has cleared and destroyed over 1.2 million mines to date.
Although Thailand claims it will report the mine explosion incident to the UN, it refuses to accept the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a UN institution, which has previously ruled in Cambodia's favour regarding disputed territory.
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