Cambodia Warns Thai ‘War of Aggression’ Risks Shaking ASEAN’s Foundations

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 26, 2025) — A senior Cambodian official has warned that Thailand’s military actions against Cambodia threaten to destabilize Southeast Asia and reverse decades of diplomatic progress under ASEAN.

Jean-François Tain, a minister delegate attached to the Cambodian prime minister, described Thailand’s campaign as a “war of aggression” and a dangerous turning point both regionally and globally.

In a statement, Tain said the conflict represented a retreat from the post–World War II international order and risked returning Southeast Asia to a pre-ASEAN era when stronger states imposed their will on weaker neighbors by force.

He accused Thailand of disregarding treaties, agreements, maps and international law in an attempt to redraw borders through military means.

Tain cited alleged use of fighter jets, artillery, drones, tanks and heavy weapons, warning that the violence could erode ASEAN’s long-standing efforts to promote cooperation, peace and prosperity.

He said ASEAN’s foundations had been shaken since Dec. 7, when one member state launched military attacks against another.

He questioned whether other ASEAN members could feel secure under such circumstances, likening the situation to the impact of one European Union member attacking another.

Tain urged regional and global leaders to condemn the conflict and recognize it as a “Thai war of aggression against Cambodia.”