France backs diplomatic efforts to ease Cambodia–Thailand tensions

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 24, 2025) — France has voiced support for renewed diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, as officials warn of a worsening humanitarian crisis along the border.

Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn spoke by telephone Dec. 23 with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, according to Cambodia’s foreign ministry.

Sokhonn thanked France for backing the peace process, including the ceasefire agreement reached July 28 and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed in October.

He highlighted what he called a deteriorating humanitarian situation, saying more than half a million civilians had been displaced and cultural heritage sites damaged in the fighting.

Barrot welcomed a statement by the ASEAN chair following a special meeting of foreign ministers in Kuala Lumpur on Dec. 22, which urged renewed dialogue.

He also expressed support for the planned General Border Committee meeting on Dec. 24.

France, he said, backs diplomatic efforts by Malaysia, China and the United States to secure a peaceful settlement.

In a separate statement, Barrot called for an immediate ceasefire, warning that nearly one million civilians have already been displaced. “A just and lasting peace can only be achieved through negotiation,” he said.

The Ministry of Interior said that since Dec. 7, a total of 607,980 people have fled their homes, including more than 318,000 women and nearly 192,000 children.

Authorities reported 21 civilians killed and 83 injured, with numbers expected to rise as shelling and airstrikes continue.

Civilian infrastructure has suffered widespread damage across multiple provinces, including homes, schools, health centers, pagodas, bridges, markets, government buildings and even an ancient temple.

Fresh overnight shelling from Dec. 23 to 24 damaged additional properties in Battambang province.