(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said he had told US officials that Cambodia did not provoke the border conflict with Thailand, maintaining that Thai forces entered Cambodian territory and opened fire on Cambodian soldiers first.

The premier spoke on Wednesday (Oct. 7) while presiding over the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the University of Health Sciences in Phnom Penh.

The premier recalled the May 28, 2025 incident, alleging that Thai forces entered Cambodian territory and opened fire on Cambodian soldiers in a trench, killing one and triggering tensions that later escalated into armed clashes along the border.

“Cambodia did not provoke it first. They entered and shot our soldiers in the trench,” Samdech Thipadei said.

He reiterated that Cambodia has never sought war and said its actions were aimed at defending national rights, dignity and territorial integrity.

On the occasion, the prime minister underlined that the border conflict affected seven provinces and forced more than 700,000 civilians to evacuate for safety.

He added that the Royal Government has continued assisting affected families, including by providing temporary accommodation for civilians whose homes were damaged or destroyed during the conflict.
=FRESH NEWS