Cambodian rights body accuses Thailand of war crimes, crimes against humanity in border conflict

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 24, 2025) — Cambodia’s Human Rights Committee on Wednesday accused Thailand of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity and grave violations of international law during the ongoing border conflict, citing indiscriminate attacks on civilians and widespread destruction of infrastructure.

In its statement, the CHRC alleged Thai forces used heavy weapons, fighter jets, warships, cluster munitions and toxic smoke in populated areas across Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Oddar Meanchey, Battambang, Preah Vihear and Koh Kong provinces.

The committee said the strikes had killed 21 civilians — including women, children and the elderly — injured 83 and displaced nearly 608,000 people. Homes, schools, health centers, bridges, markets, pagodas and cultural heritage sites were among the structures reported damaged.

“These attacks violate Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and breach fundamental human rights, including the right to life and security,” the statement said, adding that assaults on civilians contravene international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions.

The CHRC argued that Thailand’s cross-border military operations amount to the crime of aggression under international law, and that systematic attacks on civilians and cultural heritage could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The committee said it will submit urgent petitions to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and other international bodies, calling for condemnation and accountability. It also accused Thailand of violating ceasefire agreements and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed in October.

The statement cited remarks it attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump, who it said described Thailand as the initiator of the conflict and Cambodia as acting in self-defense. The BBC has not independently verified those comments.

The CHRC urged the international community, the United Nations and regional human rights organizations to intensify pressure on Thailand to halt military operations and protect civilians.