Analysts Say Thailand’s Border Attacks Reflect Long Standing Ambition to Claim Cambodian Territory

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 9, 2025) — Cambodian analysts say Thailand has never abandoned ambitions to claim Cambodian territory, arguing that recent border clashes reflect a long standing pattern of aggression.

Political science expert Kin Phea said Thai attacks into Cambodian territory demonstrate continuity from earlier generations. “Thailand has never lost its ambition to claim Cambodian territory.

This appears to be part of a long term plan,” he said, adding that the actions may also be aimed at fueling nationalist sentiment and distracting from domestic political challenges.

Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Royal University of Phnom Penh, warned that the use of foreign made weapons could create misunderstandings between major powers such as the United States and China, though he stressed such scenarios remain speculative.

He noted that border disputes are often leveraged to bolster domestic political support, highlighting the influence of Thailand’s military and monarchy.

Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence reported that Thai aggression, which began Dec. 8, continued into Dec. 9 in the 4th and 5th Military Regions. Spokesperson Lt.

Gen. Maly Socheata accused Thai forces of violating the Oct. 26 ceasefire, saying Cambodian troops responded in self defense under Article 51 of the U.N. Charter.

Preliminary reports said seven civilians were killed and 20 injured. Senate President Hun Sen confirmed Cambodian counterattacks, describing them as defensive operations to protect civilians and fortified positions.

Global concern is rising as the clashes intensify, with the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh issuing a security alert and other embassies and organizations calling for restraint.