Cambodia Appeals to UN Over Alleged Thai Airstrikes, Toxic Gas and Mass Displacement

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 9, 2025) — Cambodia has lodged an urgent appeal with United Nations human rights bodies after accusing the Thai military of launching airstrikes, deploying toxic gas and firing heavy weapons across multiple border provinces, causing civilian casualties, mass displacement and widespread damage to homes, temples, health centers and schools.

The Cambodian Human Rights Committee said Thai forces intensified attacks in Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey and Pursat, forcing tens of thousands to flee.

The committee described the actions as grave violations of human rights law, international humanitarian law and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration, signed in October in the presence of the U.S. president and Malaysia’s prime minister.

Cambodia’s petition was submitted to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, the OHCHR Regional Office in Bangkok, the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights and the rotating ASEAN chair. It urged condemnation of Thailand’s actions, an independent investigation, humanitarian assistance for civilians and the immediate release of 18 detained Cambodian soldiers.

The committee reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to international law and called on the global community to hold Thailand fully accountable while taking urgent measures to protect civilians along the border.