Thai Forces Defy ASEAN Ceasefire Call With Strikes on Cambodian Border

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 23, 2025) — Thai forces launched sustained attacks along Cambodia’s northern border Tuesday morning, striking civilian areas and religious sites despite an urgent ASEAN appeal for an immediate halt to hostilities.

The offensive came less than 24 hours after ASEAN foreign ministers, meeting in Kuala Lumpur, urged Cambodia and Thailand to cease fire and honor existing agreements.

In a statement, the bloc said it was “seriously concerned” about escalating clashes that have caused casualties, damaged infrastructure and displaced civilians on both sides.

Cambodia’s defense ministry reported heavy weapons fire from midnight until 8 a.m. across the 4th and 5th Military Regions, covering Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Siem Reap, Banteay Meanchey and Pursat provinces.

Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said shelling near Preah Vihear temple began around 4 a.m., with additional strikes later near Ta Thav and Ta Moun temples.

In the west, attacks that started the previous evening hit villages and markets around Poipet city and extended into Battambang province.

Socheata said Cambodian forces acted in self-defense and denied targeting civilians, stressing that the military response was limited to protecting national positions.

The Cambodian government condemned the strikes, demanding Thailand withdraw its forces from what it described as Cambodian territory and comply with the ceasefire agreement.

Officials reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to a peaceful resolution but vowed to remain vigilant in defending territorial integrity.