Cambodia Condemns Thai Forces of Renewed Border Attacks, Strikes Near UNESCO Temple

PHNOM PENH (Dec. 17, 2025) — Cambodia strongly condemns Thai armed forces on Wednesday of launching renewed military attacks on civilian areas and cultural sites along the border, including strikes near the UNESCO listed Preah Vihear temple, in what officials described as grave violations of international law.

According to the Ministry of National Defence, shelling began in the early hours of Dec. 17 and hit multiple locations in Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces, within Cambodia’s Fourth and Fifth Military Regions.

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, a ministry spokesperson, said Thai forces opened fire around 4:45 a.m. using heavy weapons and drones in areas including Ta Thav, Ta Krabey temple, Ta Moan temple and Tmar Don. Additional shelling and drone attacks followed at 7 a.m.

In Military Region 5, Socheata reported heavy artillery fire at O’Plok Damrei at 6:24 a.m., followed minutes later by airstrikes from fighter jets, including F 16 aircraft, on Chouk Chey.

Cambodian officials also alleged attempts by Thai infantry and tanks to enter border villages, and accused Thai forces of deploying drones and toxic gas in Prey Chan village. The claims could not be independently verified, and Thailand has not responded.

Socheata rejected Thai assertions that Cambodian forces targeted civilians, insisting Cambodia’s military actions were directed solely at Thai positions. She said Thai operations, by contrast, had struck civilian areas and cultural heritage sites.

The Cambodian government called on Thailand to halt military operations, stop spreading misinformation and refrain from attacks on civilians, infrastructure and religious sites.

“Peace can only be achieved through concrete actions, not words,” Socheata said.
Cambodia appealed to the international community to condemn what it described as ceasefire violations and to hold Thailand accountable, while reaffirming its commitment to international and humanitarian law.

The ministry said Cambodia continues to abide by the ceasefire agreement signed Oct. 26, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.