Cambodia Warns Thai Strikes Escalate Beyond Border, Threatening Civilians and Infrastructure

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 16, 2025) — Cambodia warned Tuesday that its conflict with Thailand has expanded far beyond the frontier, citing intensified military operations that have struck deep inside Cambodian territory and increasingly targeted civilian areas and public infrastructure.

The Ministry of Interior said Thai forces on Monday deployed F 16 fighter jets, artillery, naval units and ground troops between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., hitting multiple locations across seven provinces. Airstrikes were reported more than 70 kilometers from the border, including an attempted bombing of an ancient bridge linking Siem Reap and Oddar Meanchey provinces.

As of 6 p.m. Dec. 15, officials said 15 civilians had been killed and 74 injured since fighting erupted Dec. 7. The clashes have forced 126,204 families — about 421,853 people — to flee their homes, including more than 216,000 women and 127,000 children.

Authorities reported extensive damage to homes, schools, health centers, pagodas, ancient temples, bridges, a customs office, gas stations, hotels and vehicles. Essential services such as education, healthcare and local administration have been nearly paralyzed in affected districts.

The government said the scale and intensity of the strikes mark a dangerous escalation beyond border clashes, raising urgent concerns over civilian protection and regional security. Phnom Penh renewed its call for international monitoring and respect for Cambodia’s sovereignty and humanitarian law as the conflict deepens.