Cambodia Rejects Thai Claim of Cross-Border Drone Incursions

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec.30,2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence has rejected claims by Thailand that more than 250 unmanned aerial vehicles crossed into Thai airspace from Cambodian territory.

In a statement issued Dec. 29, ministry spokeswoman Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said Cambodia “categorically rejects” an announcement by Thai authorities alleging repeated violations of Thailand’s sovereignty.

The ministry called the accusations “completely unfounded” and reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to bilateral agreements aimed at maintaining peace and stability along the shared border.

It cited the joint statement from the third Special Meeting of the General Border Committee held Dec. 27, as well as the joint declaration on the peace agreement signed Oct. 26.

The agreements were intended to support recovery efforts and restore normal conditions for communities in border areas, the ministry said.

Socheata noted that Cambodia has imposed a nationwide ban on the use of all types of drones without official permission.

The ban applies to the capital and all provinces, with particular focus on border provinces including Koh Kong, Pursat, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Pailin.

The ministry warned that individuals operating drones without authorization would face legal action. Military authorities, air force and air defense units, the Royal Gendarmerie, and local administrations have been instructed to strengthen monitoring and enforcement.

If necessary, security forces may deploy anti-drone systems to ensure public safety, order and stability, the statement said.

The ministry said the clarification was issued to inform the public, as well as national and international media, of the facts surrounding the matter.