UN Chief Urges Restraint as Cambodia‑Thailand Border Clashes Escalate

UNITED NATIONS (Dec. 9, 2025) — Secretary‑General António Guterres voiced concern Tuesday over reports of renewed fighting between Cambodia and Thailand, including alleged airstrikes and the deployment of heavy military equipment along their shared frontier.

The United Nations said the long‑running border dispute has already caused civilian deaths, damaged infrastructure and displaced families on both sides. Guterres urged both governments to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian assistance reaches affected areas.

He called on the two countries to return to the terms of a Joint Declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur in October, reaffirm ceasefire commitments and implement measures to reduce tensions. The UN said it remained ready to support efforts to promote peace, stability and development in the region.

Late on Dec. 8, Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Manet urged Thailand to uphold international law as tensions rose along the border.

“If Thailand sincerely respects international law, it must refrain from deploying military force against civilian areas under claims of sovereignty,” Samdech Techo Hun Manet said.

His remarks followed reports that Thailand’s 1st Army Area signaled plans to use force in contested zones, including artillery fire and troop mobilization near Prey Chan and Choukchey villages in Banteay Meanchey province.

Samdech Techo Hun Manet said Cambodia consistently respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring states but would not allow violations of its own territory. He noted Thai leaders had repeatedly pledged the same commitment in the past.

Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense reported Tuesday morning that Thai soldiers continued firing along the border, killing two Cambodian civilians traveling on National Road 56 in Banteay Meanchey province.

Defense officials said the incident began at 12:59 a.m. in Thma Pouk district, when Thai forces intensified attacks with artillery fire. Gunfire continued through much of the night in Military Region 5, the ministry said.

Cambodian officials said the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces are following government directives to resolve tensions peacefully and in line with international law.

At the same time, the ministry emphasized that Cambodian forces remain prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens, warning that no unlawful incursion into Cambodian territory will be tolerated.