Cambodia Reports Continued Thai Shelling on December 12

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 12) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense reported continued attacks by Thai forces on Cambodian territory Friday morning, striking civilian areas and historic sites despite a ceasefire agreement.

The assaults, which officials said involved artillery shelling, drone strikes and tank movements, hit residential communities and cultural landmarks, causing civilian casualties and property damage.

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said the attacks violated the ceasefire and the Joint Declaration signed by Cambodia and Thailand on Oct. 26.

In Military Region 4, Socheata said Thai forces fired mortars and machine guns at Anses, Mount 500, O’ Phka Sneh, Tvea Dek and Phnom Pong Chab in the afternoon. Earlier, heavy artillery targeted Thmar Daun, Chub Koki and the Ta Krabey temple area. Other parts of the region were reported calm.

In Military Region 5, shelling was reported at Tumnub Dach village at 6:20 a.m., followed by Thai infantry entering Chouk Chey and Prey Chan villages. Prey Chan was heavily shelled between 7:02 and 7:20, while Boeung Trokoun also came under fire. Some areas remained calm, officials said.

Socheata expressed concern over damage to civilian infrastructure and historic sites, including Ta Krabey and Preah Vihear temples, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Authorities described the attacks as indiscriminate and harmful to cultural heritage, underscoring the impact on communities and the preservation of Cambodian history.

She called on Thailand to cease military operations, avoid targeting civilians and cultural sites, and comply with the ceasefire and Joint Declaration. Cambodia also urged the international community to condemn the violations and pressed Thailand to respect Cambodia’s territorial integrity.

“The Thai army must immediately cease all aggressive actions, stop spreading false information, end indiscriminate attacks on civilians and infrastructure, and halt destruction of historical sites,” Socheata said. “Peace cannot come only through words, but through concrete actions.”

Cambodia reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire agreement, the Joint Declaration and all prior accords, pledging to uphold them with “the highest sense of responsibility and goodwill.”