Cambodia Accuses Thai Forces of Shelling Temples, Civilian Areas as Border Fighting Escalates

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 10, 2025) — Cambodian defense officials said Thai forces launched intensive attacks Wednesday morning across several sections of the border, striking temples, villages and civilian areas in Military Regions 4 and 5.

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, told reporters the shelling began around 5:20 a.m. when Thai troops allegedly targeted the Tamone temple area. Additional strikes were reported shortly after in Anses and Phum Kou, near Tamone Thom temple.

By 7:39 a.m., she said, Thai forces had expanded their attacks to Ta Krabey temple, Prasat Kna and Thmar Don. Socheata also claimed Thai F 16 fighter jets carried out strikes on Ta Krabey and Anses.

In Military Region 5, she reported fighting resumed at 6:26 a.m. with Thai tanks and infantry advancing on Boeung Trakuon. Clashes were later recorded in Prey Chan village at 7:10, followed by shelling near Prey Chan pagoda just over an hour later.

“Thai forces are attacking without distinction, including civilian areas such as schools and temples,” Socheata said, accusing Thailand of violating international law. She added Cambodian troops were acting in self defense and were not targeting Thai civilians.

The ministry said clashes since Dec. 7 have displaced more than 20,000 families — over 101,000 people — across the two military regions.

Socheata said Cambodian forces would continue to support government efforts to pursue a peaceful resolution “in accordance with international law,” while maintaining territorial defense.

She called on Thailand to respect the Oct. 26 ceasefire agreement and joint declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur and witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his role as ASEAN chair.