APSARA Authority Condemns Thai Aggression, Cites Civilian Deaths and Heritage Destruction

SIEM REAP, Cambodia (Dec. 25, 2025) — Cambodia’s APSARA National Authority (ANA) has issued a petition strongly condemning what it called Thailand’s “brutal and inhumane war of aggression” against Cambodian sovereignty, citing civilian casualties and extensive damage to cultural heritage sites.

H.E Hang Peou, Director General of ANA

The statement accused Thai armed forces of launching indiscriminate attacks by land, sea and air between Dec. 7 and Dec. 25, including shelling and aerial bombardments that penetrated more than 90 kilometers inside Cambodian territory.

According to the Ministry of Interior, at least 30 civilians have been killed, 87 injured and more than 636,000 displaced during the clashes. APSARA said the violence has destroyed homes, schools, monasteries and infrastructure, while damaging or demolishing sacred sites including the UNESCO World Heritage Preah Vihear Temple, Ta Krabey Temple and Ta Moan Thom Temple.

The authority said the attacks violate the ceasefire and the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement signed by the prime ministers of both countries in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, ASEAN’s rotating chair.

APSARA called on the international community to condemn Thailand’s actions, hold it legally accountable and demand an immediate halt to hostilities. It urged Thailand to respect the ceasefire, honor international law and pursue peaceful dispute resolution.

H.E. Long Kosal, Deputy Director General of ANA

The petition reaffirmed APSARA’s support for the Cambodian government’s efforts to resolve the border crisis through legal and diplomatic means to protect civilians and safeguard national sovereignty.