Cambodia Says Thai Forces Expand Border Attacks Into Civilian Areas of Banteay Meanchey

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

In a statement, ministry spokeswoman Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said Thai troops attacked Cambodian military positions and civilian areas from 5:04 a.m. in Military Region 4 before extending operations into Military Region 5. At 1:36 p.m.,

she said, Thai forces fired both small and heavy weapons into Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages in O’Bei Choan commune, O’Chrov district, “indiscriminately targeting residential civilian areas.”

The ministry “strongly condemned” what it called a “cruel and aggressive act of warfare” and a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Officials said the latest incident followed “many days of continuous provocations” and accused Thailand of spreading false allegations against Cambodia to manipulate public opinion and escalate tensions.

Cambodian forces did not respond militarily, the statement said, adding that Phnom Penh remains committed to the cease fire, the Joint Peace Statement between the two countries, and previously agreed mechanisms to resolve disputes peacefully under international law.