Cambodian Civilian Killed in Border Shooting; Phnom Penh Condemns Thai Forces

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Nov. 13, 2025) — Cambodian authorities have accused Thai forces of opening fire on civilians near the border in Banteay Meanchey province, killing one person and injuring several others.

Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Defense, said the incident occurred around 4 p.m. Tuesday in Prey Chan village, O’Bei Chan commune, O’Chrov district.

She said Thai soldiers allegedly fired on unarmed Cambodian civilians, with reports indicating the shooting continued into the evening.

Residents of the area have reportedly faced months of intimidation and harassment from groups described by Cambodian officials as Thai soldiers and extremists.

The Ministry of National Defense condemned the attack as a “brutal and inhumane act” and a violation of the Joint Statement on the Peace Agreement signed Oct. 26, 2025, and witnessed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs ASEAN.

Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a statement Wednesday condemning the use of force, calling it a breach of humanitarian principles and prior agreements to resolve border issues peacefully. He cited the role of the Joint Boundary Commission in maintaining the status quo during ongoing demarcation talks.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Cambodia welcomes international participation in an on-site investigation and described the shooting as “unprovoked” and a “serious violation” of Cambodia’s sovereignty.

The ministry said the incident breached international humanitarian law and regional frameworks, including the U.N. Charter, the ASEAN Charter and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. Thai authorities have not yet responded to the allegations.