France Urges Ceasefire as Thai Strikes Hit Deep Inside Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 24, 2025) — France on Wednesday called for an immediate ceasefire as Cambodian officials reported Thai military strikes pushing far beyond the border, intensifying a humanitarian crisis.

Jean-Noël Barrot, France’s minister for Europe and foreign affairs, said nearly one million civilians have already been displaced and warned that only negotiations can secure lasting peace.

“The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand has already caused the displacement of nearly one million people. I have called my Cambodian and Thai counterparts to urge an immediate ceasefire. A just and lasting peace can only be achieved through negotiation,” Barrot said in a statement.

Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence accused Thai forces of indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas and infrastructure. Officials said Thai T-50 fighter jets dropped four bombs Wednesday morning on a residential area in Banan district, Battambang province — well inside Cambodian territory.

The Interior Ministry reported 21 civilians, including an infant, have been killed and 83 injured. More than 600,000 people have fled their homes, while schools, hospitals, markets, pagodas, roads, bridges and ancient temples have sustained damage.

Cambodia condemned the strikes as violations of international humanitarian law. France’s appeal adds to growing international pressure for an immediate halt to hostilities.