Thousands of Cambodians Evacuate Border Areas as Civilian Deaths Reported in Thai Attacks

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 8, 2025) — Thousands of residents along Cambodia’s northern border have fled their homes as fighting with Thai forces entered a second day, with provincial and military officials reporting civilian deaths and injuries.

Met Meas Pheakdey, deputy governor of Oddar Meanchey province, said evacuations have been underway since Dec. 7 following what Cambodia describes as sustained Thai military attacks on both military positions and civilian areas.

He said shelling began at 6:55 a.m. Monday, stretching from Chob Kokir to O’Smach, with heavy weapons striking villages four to five kilometers inside Cambodian territory.

Authorities said residents from O’Smach Sangkat, Kouk Mon commune and several villages — including Thoam Don, Hanuman, Chob Kokir, Monorom 1, Monorom 2 and Ta Muen Senchey — have moved to safe zones. By 11 a.m., 1,157 families had been relocated.

Three civilians were confirmed injured, and preliminary reports indicated three fatalities, including one woman.

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Defense, said Thai forces began firing at 5:04 a.m. Sunday and continued into Monday, later expanding operations into Banteay Meanchey province.

The ministry condemned the attacks as violations of Cambodia’s sovereignty and international law, while reaffirming its commitment to the cease fire and joint peace agreements.