Cambodia Condemns Thai Military for Destroying and Looting Civilian Property Along Border

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Jan. 5, 2026) — Cambodia has strongly condemned the Thai military for destroying and stealing civilian property in border areas during recent operations, calling the actions grave violations of international law and humanitarian principles.

Government spokesperson Pen Bona said Thai forces damaged homes and infrastructure inside Cambodian territory during large-scale military operations between Dec. 7 and Dec. 27, 2025.

“The Thai military continued its actions against civilian targets even after the ceasefire came into effect,” Bona said, adding that both personnel and heavy equipment were deployed against non-military areas.

According to the Cambodian government, Thai soldiers fenced off land and homes belonging to local residents, destroyed property, and looted civilian belongings. Bona said the situation has prevented displaced families from returning to their homes and resuming normal livelihoods.

He stressed that these actions directly violate Point 4 of the Joint Statement adopted at the third Special Meeting of the General Border Committee on Dec. 27, which called for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Cambodia denounced the continued presence of Thai forces as unlawful and without legal basis under international law, warning that any territorial control or administrative measures imposed by Thailand would not be recognized.

The government also condemned the installation of shipping containers and barbed wire along the border, describing them as provocative measures that contradict existing agreements and Thailand’s stated commitment to resolving disputes peacefully.