Japan Voices Concern as Cambodia-Thailand Clashes Escalate

TOKYO (Dec.23,2025) — Japan on Tuesday voiced deep concern over renewed military clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, warning that escalating violence has caused civilian casualties, displacement and damage to infrastructure in both countries.

In a statement, the government said fighting has intensified since December, forcing thousands to flee their homes. Tokyo urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint and resolve the dispute through dialogue.

Japan welcomed the ASEAN Special Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held Dec. 22 in Kuala Lumpur, noting that the chairman’s statement called on both countries to halt hostilities and return to talks. It praised Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair, for its diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.

The government also acknowledged the role of the United States, expressing appreciation for its involvement in peace efforts, including mediation of a ceasefire agreement and the Joint Declaration issued in Kuala Lumpur.

Tokyo said it has consistently opposed actions that could further escalate the situation and pledged to continue working closely with the United States, ASEAN members and other partners to support de-escalation and stability in the region.

Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence said on Dec. 22 that Thai forces continued attacks on civilian areas along the border, alleging shelling and gunfire struck villages, temples and residential zones in multiple provinces.

Cambodia’s Interior Ministry said Monday that since Dec. 7, attacks attributed to Thai forces have killed 20 civilians and injured 79 others. The latest fatality was a displaced civilian in Oddar Meanchey province.

Officials said more than 525,000 people — including nearly 275,000 women and more than 167,000 children — have fled shelling, rockets and aerial bombardments, taking shelter in makeshift camps across several provinces.