Cambodia Says Thai Shelling Kills Seven Civilians, Breaches Ceasefire

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 9, 2025) — Cambodian defense officials said Tuesday that seven civilians were killed and 20 injured in what they described as Thai military strikes on civilian areas along the border between Dec. 8 and early Dec. 9.

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Defense, cited preliminary reports from provincial authorities and said shelling continued until 6 a.m. Tuesday.

At a morning briefing, Socheata said Cambodian forces responded “in self‑defense in accordance with international law.”

She accused Thai forces of “hostile acts without implementing the agreed principles” and said the army had “no choice but to respond in self‑defense, in line with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.”

She said the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces remained committed to defending sovereignty and protecting civilians while following government directives.

Earlier Tuesday, the ministry accused Thailand of overnight attacks in Pursat province, alleging violations of the recently signed ceasefire. Officials said Thai troops operated throughout the night in Military Region 5, Thmor Da commune.

Between 4:58 and 5:25 a.m., a large drone was reportedly used for surveillance, followed by what Cambodia described as a chemical smoke attack.

Socheata said Thai units then fired 105 mm artillery rounds at O’Phluk Domrei between 5:30 and 6:10, with firing continuing afterward.