U.S. Presses for Ceasefire as Thai Airstrikes Kill Civilians, Displace Thousands in Cambodia

WASHINGTON / PHNOM PENH (Dec. 22, 2025) — The United States renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand as Thai airstrikes and artillery attacks intensified inside Cambodian territory, killing civilians and forcing more than half a million people from their homes.

U.S. Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas “Tommy” Pigott said Sunday that Washington welcomed ASEAN efforts to de-escalate the conflict and urged both sides to honor the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords. He called for an end to military operations, withdrawal of heavy weapons, a halt to landmine use and acceleration of humanitarian demining.

Cambodia’s Defense Ministry reported Thai forces have carried out 16 consecutive days of attacks, including tank advances, artillery barrages and F 16 strikes on civilian areas such as Poipet city. Officials said toxic smoke was also used near temple sites in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces.

Phnom Penh condemned the strikes as violations of international law and the U.N. Charter. Cambodia, lacking fighter aircraft or air defenses, has not responded militarily.

Authorities said 19 civilians, including an infant, have been killed and more than 518,000 displaced into makeshift camps, underscoring the mounting humanitarian toll as ASEAN prepares emergency talks.