BANGKOK: The Thai military has accused former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen of masterminding deadly artillery and rocket strikes on Thai civilian areas, including communities, hospitals, and schools, during Thursday’s cross-border clashes.

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Maj-Gen Vithai Laithomya, spokesman for the Thai armed forces, claimed that intelligence reports confirm Hun Sen’s direct involvement in ordering indiscriminate attacks using long-range weaponry. “These savage actions have caused death and injury to innocent people,” Vithai stated, condemning the Cambodian government for “gross violations of international human rights laws” and showing “complete disregard for the sanctity of life.”

Vithai went further, labeling Hun Sen a “war criminal” who must face justice. He called on international organizations to launch an independent and transparent investigation into the former Cambodian leader’s role in the attacks.

The Thai National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also condemned the strikes, particularly highlighting an attack on a hospital in Surin province. In a strongly worded statement, the NHRC accused Cambodian forces of committing war crimes by breaching international humanitarian laws, including the Geneva Convention and the Rome Statute.

Hun Sen is a war criminal who is behind the orders for the Cambodian military to harm
innocent civilians by attacking hospitals, schools, and community areas,resultingin the deaths of many civiliansand youth.#CambodiaOpenedFire pic.twitter.com/BNY4vg2kl2

— P.Wich (@Prince_wich) July 24, 2025

The commission urged Cambodian forces to immediately cease violence against civilians and called on Thai authorities to protect vulnerable communities near the border. It also appealed for restraint, warning against retaliation targeting Cambodian civilians living and working in Thailand. “They are not responsible for this conflict,” the NHRC emphasized, discouraging any incitement of racial hatred.

The allegations mark a sharp escalation in rhetoric as tensions between the two nations reach dangerous levels. Cambodia has yet to respond to the accusations, but the Thai government has vowed to pursue accountability through international legal channels.

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With civilian casualties mounting and both sides trading blame, fears grow that the conflict could spiral further unless diplomatic intervention takes hold.

-Thailand News (TN)