Cambodia alleges continued Thai attacks as hundreds of thousands flee border areas

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 24, 2025) — Cambodia accused Thailand on Wednesday of sustaining a military offensive against its territory, saying civilian casualties and mass displacement continue to rise more than two weeks after fighting began.

Government spokesman Pen Bona said it has been 18 days since Thai forces launched what Phnom Penh describes as an invasion of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to Cambodian officials, repeated attacks on civilian areas and infrastructure have left 21 people dead — including an infant — and 83 injured. More than 600,000 civilians have fled their homes, with women, children and the elderly among those most affected.

Authorities said homes, roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, markets, businesses, pagodas and ancient temples have been damaged, some of which Cambodia considers part of humanity’s shared cultural heritage.

Bona alleged Thailand has used heavy weaponry, including fighter jets, naval vessels, cluster munitions, drones and toxic substances. The claims could not be independently verified.

He said Cambodia believes such actions violate international law and ignore repeated calls from the United States, China, the European Union and ASEAN for an immediate ceasefire and adherence to agreements including the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration.

Bona rejected what he called Thai attempts to misrepresent the situation internationally, insisting Cambodia’s military actions are defensive.

He said the conflict has strengthened unity among Cambodians at home and abroad, who continue to call for peace and justice while condemning what they see as aggression by a larger neighbor.