Thai Forces Attacked Border Positions, Urges International Condemnation

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 8, 2025) — Cambodia accused Thailand of launching fresh attacks along their shared border Monday, alleging Thai forces opened fire on Cambodian positions in Preah Vihear province.

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, said the incident occurred at about 5:04 a.m. in the An Ses area. She said Thai troops fired on Cambodian forces before reportedly using tank rounds near several sites, including Tamone Thom temple, the 5 Makara area close to Preah Vihear temple, and Chomka Chek.

The ministry said the exchanges followed “several days of provocations,” including an incident the previous day in Prorlean Thmar. Cambodia said its troops did not return fire in either case, citing commitments to bilateral agreements and international law.

Officials said the government 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 alleged 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 cease-fire arrangements and peaceful dispute resolution.