Cambodia Presses 21 Foreign Missions, Demands Immediate Ceasefire as Thai Strikes Escalate

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 26, 2025) — Cambodia has stepped up international diplomacy over its escalating border conflict with Thailand, briefing representatives from 21 foreign missions in Phnom Penh and demanding urgent support for an immediate ceasefire as Thai military attacks continue inside Cambodian territory.

On Dec. 25, Nong Sakal, undersecretary of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, met with 24 diplomats to deliver what officials described as a frank assessment of the deteriorating security situation.

Cambodian officials outlined the outcomes of the Dec. 22 ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur, ongoing talks under the General Border Committee Secretariat, and what Phnom Penh called aggressive armed incursions by Thai forces.

Sakal accused Thailand of using landmine-related claims to mislead the international community and highlighted condemnation from the Cambodian Human Rights Committee over what it described as indiscriminate attacks on populated areas.

Authorities said Thai operations have struck civilian areas in Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Oddar Meanchey, Battambang, Preah Vihear and Koh Kong, displacing thousands and raising humanitarian concerns.

Sakal reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to restraint, dialogue and international law, citing the July 28 ceasefire and Oct. 26 Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration as frameworks for restoring calm. He urged foreign partners to back immediate cessation of hostilities and renewed engagement through established peace mechanisms.