Senate President Says Thai Troops Use Slingshots, Gunfire in Nightly Border Provocations

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov.17,2025) — Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen accused Thai soldiers of provoking fresh tensions along the border by firing shots and using slingshots against Prey Chan village in Banteay Meanchey province, but said Cambodia has remained restrained and committed to agreed principles.

Speaking at the 33rd National Assembly of Monastic Officials in 2025, Hun Sen said the incidents had occurred “every night,” claiming Thai forces were attempting to trigger armed confrontation despite a ceasefire agreement.

“They provoke by opening fire and by using slingshots into Prey Chan village,” he said. “But we remain restrained and fully committed to the ceasefire and the peace deal.”

He said Cambodian troops had been instructed not to respond to what he described as repeated provocations. Addressing questions about civilian casualties, he said the government’s priority was to prevent further loss of life.

“Some people ask why we stay silent when Thai soldiers kill Cambodian civilians,” he said. “If we respond, how many people would die? And the ceasefire would fail.”

He described Cambodia’s stance as one of “maximum restraint,” adding that the government’s position should be understood as “quiet but not silent,” with Phnom Penh pursuing its own strategy for managing the situation.

“Our policy is peace to save lives, ensure border security and rebuild the country’s economy,” Hun Sen said, stressing that maintaining a peaceful and cooperative border with neighboring states remains a key priority.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen also warned opposition figures abroad who have called for a more aggressive military response, accusing them of encouraging conflict from outside the country.

“If you want to open fire, come to the battlefield and confront the Thai troops,” he said. “Don’t speak from abroad and demand armed clashes without caring about our soldiers.”