Cambodia Denounces Thai ‘Self-Defense’ Claim, Calls Border Strikes a War of Aggression Violating International Law

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 17, 2025) — Cambodia has categorically rejected Thailand’s justification that its ongoing military operations along the border constitute self defense, calling the attacks a war of aggression and a flagrant violation of international law.

Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said Thailand’s military actions — now in their 11th consecutive day — cannot be justified under the U.N. Charter or international humanitarian law. He described them as a deliberate assault on Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“The Thai military has continued its blatant aggression against Cambodian territory,” Pheaktra said. “These attacks have not only targeted Cambodian forces defending national sovereignty, but have also deliberately struck civilians and civilian infrastructure.”

He accused Thailand of misleading the international community by fabricating allegations against Cambodia to create a pretext for military action, suggesting the escalation was aimed at diverting attention from Thailand’s internal political crisis.

Cambodia reported that Thai operations have killed 17 civilians and injured 77 others as of Dec. 16, displacing more than 438,900 people and destroying homes, public facilities and essential infrastructure.

Pheaktra urged the United Nations and international community to act swiftly, saying Thailand’s actions “do not constitute self defense” but a grave breach of sovereignty and an assault on civilians. Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful resolution, warning that continued escalation threatens regional stability and undermines the rules based international order.