British Ambassador Urges Ceasefire as Hundreds of Thousands Remain Displaced

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 25, 2025) — British Ambassador to Cambodia Dominic Williams has called for an urgent ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, expressing hope that hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians can return home and mark the New Year in peace.

In a video message posted on the British Embassy’s Facebook page on Christmas Eve, Williams said he was thinking of families on both sides of the border who have fled amid escalating clashes.

“During this Christmas, I am thinking of many families in Cambodia and Thailand who are forced to leave their homes and are going through difficult times,” he said. “Christmas is a time for peace and solidarity among all people. I hope we can celebrate the New Year 2026 in this spirit.”

His remarks came as Cambodian authorities accused Thai forces of continuing attacks on villages and infrastructure near the Preah Vihear temple.

The Ministry of National Defence said Thursday that Thai forces allegedly used heavy weapons, tanks, drones and artillery in several locations between 5 p.m. Dec. 24 and 8 a.m. Dec. 25.

The Ministry of Interior reported that repeated bombardments since early December have killed at least 30 people, injured 87 others and displaced more than 636,000 civilians. Officials said the toll since Dec. 7 includes nine displaced civilians who died in temporary camps in Siem Reap.

Authorities said 636,536 people — including 331,707 women and 202,455 children — remain displaced, many spending the holiday season in shelters and camps.

Cambodia has renewed its call for international partners to support de-escalation efforts, stressing its commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means and international law.