Senate President: Cambodian Forces Launch Counterattacks in Self-Defense Amid Border Clashes

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 9, 2025) — Cambodian’s President of The Senate Samdech Hun Sen said Wednesday Cambodia had launched fresh counterattacks against Thai forces along the border, citing self-defense after more than 24 hours of holding positions to respect a ceasefire and allow civilians to evacuate.

Samdech Hun Sen said, operations resumed late Tuesday and continued into Wednesday morning. The announcement followed remarks by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who earlier said Thailand intended to seize 11 strategic positions.

Samdech Hun Sen added it was unclear which locations Thailand was referring to, and that their forces were targeting “every point” where Thai troops were seen advancing.

He said Cambodian troops were defending fortified positions and responding with a range of weapons systems. They claimed Thai forces had been unable to breach Cambodian lines, describing current operations as defensive engagements aimed at countering enemy advances.

Samdech Hun Sen criticized comments attributed to a senior Thai commander, who reportedly said Thailand aimed to neutralize Cambodia’s long-term defense capabilities. Cambodian officials called the remarks overconfident and insisted Phnom Penh would not allow its forces to be weakened unchallenged.

Addressing domestic critics, Samdech Hun Sen rejected accusations of warmongering, saying the government had respected the ceasefire and pursued diplomatic solutions but was compelled to respond militarily in self-defense.

“Cambodia desires peace,” he said, “but is compelled to strike back to defend its territory.”

On Monday, Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen urged maximum restraint from front-line forces amid escalating tensions but warned Thai troops not to cross Cambodia’s “red line.”

Samdech Techo Hun Sen said Thai forces had used “all kinds of weapons” against Cambodian positions since Sunday afternoon, apparently aiming to provoke a response that could undermine the ceasefire agreement and the Cambodia–Thailand peace statement.

“The red line that must not be crossed has already been determined,” Samdech Techo Hun Sen said. “Commanders at all levels should ensure that all military officers and soldiers are fully aware of it.”