Cambodia: Cambodian Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen has observed that the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict has shifted from a war using weapons to one involving slingshots loaded with ball bearings and metal pellets.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, Samdech Techo Hun Sen expressed concerns that what might appear as a minor skirmish is, in fact, a serious issue. In a recent social media post, he emphasized the potential for escalation if the situation is not addressed promptly. Initially intending to remain silent, Hun Sen decided to speak out to prevent misunderstandings among the Thai leadership and the international community.

He warned that without intervention, the conflict could progress from slingshots to more dangerous weaponry, risking the destruction of the existing ceasefire agreement. This agreement was achieved through the collective efforts of Cambodian and Thai leaders, with Malaysia’s Prime Minister mediating and China and the United States participating in the process.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen called on the Royal Government of Cambodia to issue immediate orders for military forces to cease using slingshots at the border. He expressed hope that the Thai leadership would reciprocate by instructing their military to refrain from using weapons, as evidenced by images accompanying the statement.