Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Illegal Heavy Weapons Use in Border Attacks

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 18, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence on Thursday accused Thai forces of continuing artillery and air assaults along the Cambodia–Thailand border, alleging violations of sovereignty and international law.

Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said Thai forces carried out shelling and aerial operations on December 18 in several areas under Cambodia’s 4th and 5th military regions.

She claimed the attacks included the use of heavy artillery, tanks, mortars, drones and 100mm weapons, which she described as illegal under agreed principles.

Between 5 p.m. on December 17 and 8 a.m. on December 18, Thai forces allegedly fired on multiple locations including Choub Korki, Veal Entry, Phnom Kmoach, Bos Sbeou and Chom Te. Socheata said firing also continued toward Ta Moun Temple, Preah Vihear Temple, the 5 Makara area and Chom Ka Chek.

In the 5th Military Region, she alleged Thai forces used drones and mortars to strike the O’Plok Damrei area early Thursday. Other areas were reported calm, with Cambodian troops maintaining defensive positions.

Socheata reiterated that Cambodia’s military actions were limited to self defense and directed solely at Thai military targets, rejecting claims of civilian casualties.

She accused Thailand of deploying F 16 fighter jets, drones and heavy artillery inside Cambodian territory, calling the actions violations of the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter and international law.

The Defence Ministry demanded Thailand immediately halt military operations, stop spreading “false information,” and end attacks on civilian communities, infrastructure and cultural sites.

Cambodia also urged the international community to condemn what it described as Thai violations and pressed for the withdrawal of Thai forces from its territory.