Phnom penh: Cambodian Minister of Information H.E. Neth Pheaktra has stated that physical evidence of the Thai military's armed attacks on Cambodian territory remains undeniable and continues to demonstrate the reality of the conflict, despite any statements rejecting or denying the incidents. According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Minister expressed these views on his personal Facebook account on Aug. 7, emphasizing that the truth cannot be erased because tangible evidence of the attacks continues to speak for itself.
He highlighted bomb craters left by airstrikes involving F-16 and Gripen fighter jets, remnants of cluster munitions and other ordnance, and damage to Cambodia's ancient temples, including the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear Temple and Ta Krabey Temple. Additionally, civilian homes and property were destroyed during the attacks, and there were civilian deaths and injuries, which he said, could not be rewritten through rhetoric.
According to H.E. Neth Pheaktra, photographs and other documented evidence also record the looting of Cambodian civilians' property, the placement of shipping containers, the installation of barbed wire, the blocking of roads, and attempts to create a fait accompli in disputed areas, reflecting the consequences of the use of armed force.
The Minister stressed that while narratives could be disputed, physical evidence of destruction remained. He asserted that bomb craters, damaged buildings, and the human toll of the conflict could not be erased through propaganda or statements of denial.
He called for all evidence to be preserved, documented, verified, and presented to the international community to safeguard the truth, ensure accountability, and prevent the use of force from creating new realities on the ground instead of adhering to international law.
H.E. Neth Pheaktra concluded that truth ultimately rests on evidence, expressing confidence that the international community would draw its conclusions based on the facts presented.