Cambodia Says Thai Forces Expand Border Clashes Into Battambang, Banteay Meanchey

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 8, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense on Monday accused Thai armed forces of widening cross‑border attacks into Battambang and Banteay Meanchey provinces, escalating clashes that began earlier in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.

Ministry spokeswoman Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said Thai troops expanded the battlefield with strikes against Cambodian military positions and civilian areas, alleging the use of F‑16 fighter jets, artillery and armored vehicles.

She said the assaults began at 5:04 a.m. and continued throughout the day across multiple sites, including Anseh, Preah Vihear Temple, Prasat Ta Muen, 5 Makara, Chamkar Chek, Mum Bey, Phnom Khmaoch, Kol 8, Prasat Ta Krabei and Prasat Khna.

Officials reported a series of incidents: two Thai armored vehicles transported troops into Anseh at 4 a.m.; gunfire erupted between 5:04 and 5:25 a.m.; renewed attacks followed at 6:13 a.m. with MT60 guns and small arms; shelling continued from 7:40 to 10 a.m. At 9:05 a.m.,

Cambodian officials said F‑16 fighter jets carried out airstrikes in Sra’em commune, Cheam Ksant district. By 11 a.m., attacks were still ongoing. Socheata said the assaults also struck civilian villages in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces, injuring residents and destroying homes, forcing families to flee.

She stressed Cambodian forces did not retaliate, citing commitments to the Oct. 26 cease‑fire and joint peace statement signed by both prime ministers in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, then ASEAN chair.

The ministry condemned what it called false Thai claims of Cambodian aggression, describing them as attempts to manipulate public opinion and escalate tensions. Cambodian officials urged the international community to denounce Thailand’s actions and pressed Bangkok to halt operations immediately.

Authorities warned civilians to avoid border areas, announced evacuations and school closures, and said casualties included both military personnel and civilians, though no deaths had been confirmed.