Cambodia calls for independent probe into Thai army attacks on border village

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 (KUNA) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has called for an independent investigation into attacks by the Thai army on Cambodian civilians in a border village, warning against continued use of force against innocents.
Manet stressed the need for foreign experts to uncover facts and ensure justice for victims, saying the violence contradicts humanitarian principles and violates previous agreements for peaceful border dispute resolution under the joint border committee.
He urged local authorities and security forces to take urgent measures to protect civilians, reaffirming Cambodia's commitment to a peaceful settlement in line with the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed on October 26, 2025, aimed at ending conflict and building lasting peace.
Thai Royal Army spokesperson Major General Winthai Suvari said the Thai forces acted in accordance with rules of engagement, claiming Cambodian troops fired first.
He added that Thai soldiers took defensive positions and fired warning shots for about 10 minutes, with no casualties reported.
The incident followed Thailand's suspension of a reinforced ceasefire with Cambodia after a landmine explosion near Preah Vihear Temple on Tuesday injured two Thai soldiers. Cambodia denied planting new mines, saying they date back to past civil wars.
The reinforced ceasefire, signed during the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia under the "Kuala Lumpur Declaration," sought to build on the US-brokered truce reached in July, when former President Donald Trump urged both leaders to end hostilities or face suspension of trade talks with Washington. (end) aab.aai