UK Reaffirms Ceasefire Call as Thai Strikes Escalate Despite Peace Appeals

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 17, 2025) — The United Kingdom renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire and a return to peaceful dialogue Wednesday as fighting along the Cambodia–Thailand border escalated, causing rising civilian casualties and mass displacement.

On Dec. 16, British Ambassador to Cambodia Dominic Williams received a petition from the British Chevening Alumni Association of Cambodia urging an end to hostilities and respect for international law. Williams reaffirmed the UK’s support for a ceasefire and diplomatic engagement in the interest of regional stability.

The appeal came as Cambodian authorities reported renewed Thai military attacks on civilian areas and cultural sites along the border, including locations near the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear Temple. Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence said shelling and airstrikes involving F-16 fighter jets, heavy artillery and drones struck multiple areas in Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces early Wednesday.

Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said the attacks hit both military and civilian sites, including temples such as Ta Krabey and Ta Moan, as well as border communities. Cambodia accused Thai forces of indiscriminate strikes that killed at least 17 civilians and injured nearly 100 others, despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement.

The Ministry of Interior reported that the number of displaced Cambodian civilians has risen to 131,672 families — nearly 439,000 people — including more than 225,000 women and 134,000 children.

Cambodia reiterated its commitment to the Oct. 26 ceasefire agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur and witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Officials called on the international community to press for an end to hostilities and the protection of civilians and cultural heritage.