Cambodia Accuses Thai Forces of Killing 17 Civilians in Border Strikes, Urges International Condemnation

PHNOM PENH (Dec. 17, 2025) — Cambodia accused Thai armed forces of killing at least 17 civilians and injuring nearly 100 others in what it described as indiscriminate attacks on border communities and cultural sites, escalating tensions despite a U.S. brokered ceasefire.

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, said the casualties resulted from shelling and airstrikes early Wednesday in Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces.

She alleged Thai forces used heavy weapons, rockets and F 16 fighter jets that penetrated deep into Cambodian territory, striking civilian areas and damaging temples.

“These are indiscriminate attacks that violate international law,” Socheata said, rejecting Thai claims that Cambodian forces had targeted civilians.

She insisted Cambodia’s military operations were directed solely at Thai positions, while Thai strikes had hit homes, villages and religious sites.

The ministry reported artillery fire beginning around 4:45 a.m., followed by further shelling and drone activity across Military Regions Four and Five. Cambodia also accused Thai forces of spreading misinformation to justify the attacks.

The government called on Thailand to halt military operations and urged the international community to condemn what it described as ceasefire violations.

“Peace can only be achieved through concrete actions, not words,” Socheata said.
Cambodia reaffirmed its adherence to the Oct. 26 ceasefire agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur, witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.