Cambodia accuses Thai forces of renewed attacks on civilians, Preah Vihear temple

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec.25,2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense accused Thai forces Thursday of continuing what it called “brutal attacks” on civilian areas and the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site near the disputed border.

The ministry said the incidents occurred between noon and 4 p.m. on Dec. 25. It alleged that Thai military units carried out shelling and airstrikes in several locations across northern Cambodia.

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, a senior commander in Cambodia’s Fourth Military Region, said that at about 1:20 p.m. Thai forces used fighter aircraft, heavy artillery and rockets to strike areas around the Preah Vihear temple and O’Smach in Oddar Meanchey province.

Further shelling was reported later in the afternoon, including strikes near Phnom Kmouch, Kol Bram Bei, Jom Te, Ta Muen Thom temple and Domnek Sdach.

In Cambodia’s Fifth Military Region, the ministry said shelling took place in Kok Romeat and Kumro districts of Banteay Meanchey province between 10:52 a.m. and 2:35 p.m. Additional attacks were reported in Serei Meanchey district later in the day, while other areas remained calm.

The ministry accused Thailand of spreading disinformation and carrying out actions that it said violated Cambodia’s sovereignty and international law. It called on the international community to condemn the alleged attacks and urged Thai forces to withdraw from what it described as Cambodian territory.

According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior, at least 30 civilians have been killed, 87 injured and more than 636,000 displaced since fighting reignited on Dec. 7.

Cambodia reiterated its commitment to a cease-fire and to the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement signed Oct. 26, 2025, expressing hope that Thailand would adhere to the agreement and pursue a peaceful resolution to the long-running border dispute.