UN Chief Urges Restraint After Reports of Thai Airstrikes, Border Clashes with Cambodia

UNITED NATIONS (Dec. 9, 2025) — Secretary‑General António Guterres voiced concern Tuesday over renewed armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, including reported airstrikes and the use of heavy equipment along their shared border.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Guterres urged both sides to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation. He said the dispute has already caused civilian casualties, damaged infrastructure and displaced families on both sides of the frontier.

Cambodian officials have accused Thai forces of opening fire on positions in Preah Vihear province since Dec. 7, escalating into attacks the following day that allegedly involved fighter jets and artillery. Phnom Penh said its troops refrained from returning fire, citing commitments under international law and a Joint Declaration signed Oct. 26 in Kuala Lumpur by both prime ministers.

The Secretary‑General stressed that civilians must be protected and humanitarian relief facilitated. He reiterated his call for both parties to recommit to the ceasefire, implement confidence‑building measures and use dialogue mechanisms to resolve the dispute peacefully.

“The United Nations stands ready to support all efforts aimed at promoting peace, stability and development in the region,” the statement said.