Cambodian Minister Accuses Thailand of “Planned War” in Letter to International Community

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 22, 2025) — A senior Cambodian minister accused Thailand of waging a deliberate military campaign against Cambodia and urged the international community to condemn what he called a violation of international law.

In an open letter released this week, Jean François Tain, minister delegate attached to the prime minister, said Cambodia had been subjected to “open and deliberate military aggression” by Thai armed forces since Dec. 7.

He rejected suggestions that the fighting was accidental, describing it instead as “planned, acknowledged, and carried out by the Thai State.”

Tain alleged Thai land, air and naval forces were deployed simultaneously along Cambodia’s western border, advancing into Cambodian territory and striking military positions, civilians, infrastructure, temples and historic monuments.

The letter outlined five “fundamental truths,” including Cambodia’s smaller military capacity, its reliance on international law and treaties, and past International Court of Justice rulings affirming Cambodian sovereignty over the Preah Vihear temple area.

Tain emphasized Cambodia’s history of war and genocide, saying the country has no interest in renewed conflict.

He accused Thailand of openly declaring war, citing operations along more than 800 kilometers of border involving fighter jets, drones, artillery and armored vehicles.

“These acts cannot be characterized as self defense,” Tain wrote, calling them “deliberate and manifest armed aggression.” He urged the international community to act, warning that silence would undermine the global rules based order.