Cambodia Accuses Thailand of “Lying” as Border Attacks Continue, Defence Spokeswoman Says

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec.23,2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence on Tuesday accused Thailand of continuing hostile actions along the border and urged Thai authorities to act “professionally” to reduce tensions.

Ministry spokeswoman Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said Thailand must stop what she described as “lying” and return to “professional work and dignity” after a day of reported attacks on Cambodian civilian areas.

Cambodian officials said Thai military operations continued throughout Dec. 23 across the country’s 4th and 5th Military Regions. In a statement issued Tuesday afternoon, the ministry said Thai forces carried out sustained attacks between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., involving shelling, airstrikes and drone activity.

According to Socheata, in the 4th Military Region, Thai forces repeatedly attacked near the Preah Vihear and Ta Moun temple sites. She said heavy artillery and tanks were used in the morning, while F-16 aircraft and drone-dropped munitions struck later in the day in parts of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces.

Additional strikes were reported in Ta Thav, Kol Bram Bei, Phnom Kmouch and Banteay Ombil. In the 5th Military Region, Cambodian officials said shelling hit villages and towns across Battambang province and Poipet city, including Prey Chan, Chouk Chey, Kon Damrei, Chrey Sima, Phnom Prek and Psa Kandal commune.

Socheata said Cambodian forces were acting in self-defense and denied targeting civilians, insisting the military response was limited to protecting national territory.
The Cambodian government called on the international community to condemn what it described as violations of international law by Thailand.

It demanded an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Thai forces from disputed areas, while reiterating its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.