(Tokyo): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed disappointment towards certain overseas commentators who, he said, irresponsibly accused the Royal Government of Cambodia of orchestrating a deadly border incident as a means of distracting public attention from issues related to online crime.

The premier spoke on Saturday (May 31) during a meeting with Cambodian community in Japan.

“Some of [Sam Rainsy’s] supporters—those who excel in slander—have claimed that the Royal Government deliberately provoked Thai soldiers to shoot and kill Cambodian troops in order to divert attention from online crime. Such accusations insult the spirit and dignity of our armed forces,” Samdech Thipadei underscored.

Premier Hun Manet called on the opposition to cease labelling and vilifying fellow Cambodians, asserting that patriotism does not belong exclusively to the opposition. Disagreeing with the opposition does not make one a traitor. Slandering each other brings no benefit to the nation.

Samdech Thipadei further explained that had the government’s efforts to de-escalate the 28 May clash failed, the death toll could have risen from one to as many as 100. The conflict might have spread along the border, leading to mass displacement and even full-scale war. “The government had to carefully assess the situation in order to make responsible political decisions on behalf of the people and the nation,” the premier added.

On the occasion, the prime minister also expressed regret over social media users questioning why military vehicles were deployed to the border without engaging in combat. He explained that the situation required strategic judgement to avoid the outbreak of war.

Samdech Thipadei firmly reiterated Cambodia’s position that the kingdom’s sovereignty must be unconditionally safeguarded. In the case of territorial intrusion, foreign troops must immediately withdraw. The premier affirmed that Cambodian forces remain on standby and are fully prepared to respond if Thai troops refuse to retreat from Cambodian territory. Should that occur, the Cambodian army will act decisively to reclaim the nation’s land.

The premier added that while Cambodia seeks a peaceful resolution to the border dispute through international legal and technical frameworks, the country reserves the right to defend its territory by any means necessary in the event of foreign aggression.
=FRESH NEWS