In a post on social media, Hun Sen, chairman of the country's Senate and the country's de facto leader, wrote that they should "weaken and destroy the hostile forces through counterattacks," adding that they had returned fire from the alleged Thai forces.
“Cambodia wants peace, but Cambodia is forced to fight back to protect its territory,” he continues the post.
The move comes after new fighting between the countries flared up overnight on Monday, which led to Thai airstrikes against targets in Cambodia.
At least two civilians were killed by Thai shelling on Tuesday, according to the Cambodian military. On Monday, at least four people were killed and another ten were injured. 100,000 civilians have been evacuated from the area.
Both sides accuse each other of starting the latest wave of attacks. Thailand's military has previously said one Thai soldier was killed and 18 wounded.
The countries have clashed on several occasions during the year, and in November an “extended ceasefire” was put on hold.
