France Calls for Immediate Ceasefire Compliance as Cambodia–Thailand Conflict Escalates

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 9, 2025) — France has urged Thailand and Cambodia to immediately uphold their ceasefire commitments as renewed cross-border clashes escalate into a worsening humanitarian emergency that has already displaced nearly 18,000 Cambodian civilians.

In a statement released Monday, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the resurgence of violence between the two neighbors, noting that the latest hostilities have caused new casualties and widespread destruction.

France called on both sides to fully respect and implement the July 28, 2025, ceasefire agreement and the Joint Statement signed Oct. 26 at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur by the prime ministers of Cambodia and Thailand.

The French government reiterated its support for ASEAN-led mediation efforts, particularly those of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the 2025 ASEAN chair, stressing that dialogue, adherence to international law and respect for regional commitments remain the only sustainable path to peace.

The appeal came as Cambodian military officials confirmed they had launched fresh counteroffensives along the border. Authorities said they had refrained from responding to Thai fire for more than 24 hours to honor the ceasefire and allow civilians to evacuate.

Late Tuesday night, however, Cambodian forces resumed operations after Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul publicly declared Thailand’s intention to seize 11 strategic positions. Cambodian officials said they were unsure which locations Thailand was referring to, adding that their forces were now engaging “every point where Thai troops are seen advancing.”

According to consolidated government reports, as of 7 p.m. on Dec. 8, a total of 9,005 families — equivalent to 17,891 people, including 10,172 women — had been displaced. The figure is expected to rise further as it does not yet include updated data from Banteay Meanchey province, which has already evacuated 3,080 families.

Officials said Thai forces have used heavy weaponry, advanced military systems and combat aircraft, resulting in four Cambodian civilian deaths, nine injuries, extensive damage to homes, destruction of cultural heritage sites and severe impacts on public infrastructure, including schools.