Cambodia Reports Civilian Deaths, Mass Displacement in Escalating Border Clashes With Thailand

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 12, 2025) — Cambodia’s Interior Ministry said Thursday that clashes along the northern border with Thailand have left 11 civilians dead, 74 injured and more than 265,000 people displaced, warning of extensive damage to homes, schools and public infrastructure.

Officials said the latest incidents occurred between noon and 6 p.m. Dec. 11 and described them as violations of international law and a ceasefire agreement in place since Dec. 7. Thailand has not yet responded to the claims.

Authorities reported that 78,700 families have fled across several provinces, with the largest numbers in Banteay Meanchey, where 32,804 families — more than 112,000 people — left their homes. Other affected provinces include Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Koh Kong and Siem Reap.

Officials said the figures only account for those entering official evacuation centers.
The ministry said intensified Thai shelling and airstrikes have damaged administrative buildings, pagodas and schools, with some strikes allegedly reaching 80 to 90 kilometers inside Cambodian territory.

More than 900 schools have closed, affecting about 216,000 students and 7,600 teachers. Cambodia also accused Thailand of deploying “toxic smoke” inside its territory, though no details were provided.

The statement urged ASEAN, the United Nations and international partners to monitor the situation and take action, saying the clashes violate international law and the terms of the peace declaration signed earlier this year. Cambodia called on Thailand to halt the fighting and comply with the ceasefire.