Civilian Homes, Schools, Temples Struck as Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Targeting Non-Military Sites

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 21, 2025) — Cambodia accused Thailand on Sunday of launching widespread attacks on civilian and cultural sites, saying artillery fire and airstrikes have hit homes, schools, health facilities, pagodas and ancient temples since early December, forcing mass displacement.

In a statement issued Saturday, authorities said Thai military operations under the Bangkok government between Dec. 7 and 1 p.m. on Dec. 20 killed 18 civilians and wounded 79 others, while damaging non-military infrastructure.

The Interior Ministry reported that 512,099 people have fled their homes, including 266,946 women and 162,580 children, amid shelling and alleged strikes involving Thai F-16 aircraft. Damage since Dec. 7 includes 76 houses, a school, a health center, an ancient temple, four pagodas, bridges, hotels, warehouses and dozens of vehicles.

Cambodia urged the international community to condemn attacks on civilian targets and press for full enforcement of a ceasefire it said is being facilitated and witnessed by the United States, China and Malaysia. The government reaffirmed that its forces are acting defensively to protect sovereignty and called for urgent measures to safeguard civilians and cultural heritage.