Cambodia Denies Firing First in Border Clashes, Says Thai Forces Opened Fire

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 8, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence on Monday rejected claims by the Royal Thai Army and Thai media that Cambodian troops initiated recent border clashes with heavy weapons.

In a statement, the ministry said Thai forces launched assaults on Cambodian positions between Dec. 7 and 8, following what it described as “several days of provocations,” including an incident in the Prorlean Thmar area the previous day.

Officials said Cambodian troops did not return fire during either attack, citing commitments to bilateral agreements and peaceful dispute resolution under international law.

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, ministry spokesperson, said Cambodia has notified the ASEAN Observer Team for the second time and will request an independent investigation.

The ministry condemned what it called “inhumane and brutal acts” by Thailand, saying the attacks violated a Joint Declaration signed Oct. 26, 2025, by both prime ministers in the presence of U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, then ASEAN chair.

Cambodia urged the international community to condemn Thailand’s “violations” and pressed Bangkok to halt actions that “threaten peace and stability.” The statement reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to the ceasefire agreement, the joint declaration, and obligations under international law.