Cambodia Condemns Thailand of F 16 Strikes on Schools, Demands International Condemnation

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 18, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence on Thursday strongly condemns Thailand of escalating the border conflict with airstrikes and artillery attacks on civilian areas, alleging the use of F 16 fighter jets, drones and heavy weapons against schools, villages and cities.

Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said Thailand must “stop lying” and show good faith in peace efforts, charging that Thai forces had opened new battlefields inside Cambodian territory.

At an evening briefing, Socheata alleged that Thai F 16 jets carried out bombing raids on Dec. 18 in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces, striking Phnom Kmouch at 9:51 a.m. and Pek Sbek at 10:07 a.m. She further claimed toxic agents were used near Preah Vihear Temple later that morning.

Additional shelling was reported across Preah Vihear, Ta Thav, Phnom Trakol and Ta Moun Temple, while in Banteay Meanchey province, Socheata said Thai forces attacked Poipet city at 11:06 a.m. and Serei Sophoan at 2:32 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.

From Dec. 7 to the morning of Dec. 18, shelling and airstrikes killed 18 civilians and injured 79 others, authorities said. The violence displaced 144,086 families — 476,224 people — including more than 240,000 women and 130,000 children.

The ministry insisted Cambodian military actions were limited to self defense and denied striking civilian areas. It accused Thailand of deliberately targeting populations, calling the attacks violations of the UN Charter, the ASEAN Charter and international law.

Cambodia urged the international community to condemn Thailand’s actions, demand an immediate ceasefire and press for withdrawal of Thai forces. Socheata said Cambodian armed forces and police would remain vigilant to defend territorial integrity and protect civilians.