Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Airstrikes, Civilian Deaths in Border Clashes

NEW YORK (Dec. 9, 2025) — Cambodia accused Thailand of launching unprovoked military aggression along 16 border fronts over two days, saying airstrikes and heavy weapons fire killed four civilians, wounded nine and forced thousands to flee.

In a press release forwarded by Cambodia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, the Ministry of National Defence said Thai forces used 12.7‑mm heavy machine guns, 60‑mm mortars, 155‑mm artillery, tanks, AT‑6 aircraft, F‑16 fighter jets, bombardment drones and toxic smoke against Cambodian positions in Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Banteay Meanchey provinces. Officials said the attacks struck populated areas, damaging schools, villages and the UNESCO‑listed Preah Vihear Temple.

As of Monday afternoon, more than 3,000 families had been evacuated to shelters and bunkers, and about 400 schools across four provinces along the frontier were closed. Cambodian authorities said the bombardment forced widespread disruption of daily life and endangered women and children among the displaced.

The Ministry of National Defence said Thai forces used tanks, fighter jets, drones and toxic smoke against Cambodian positions in Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Banteay Meanchey provinces, damaging schools, villages and the UNESCO‑listed Preah Vihear Temple. Officials said about 400 schools along the frontier were closed as families sought shelter.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, serving as ASEAN chair, met regional counterparts yesterday and urged both sides to recommit to the Oct. 26 Joint Declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur. He stressed that ASEAN’s credibility depends on adherence to ceasefire agreements and peaceful dispute resolution.

The mission said Cambodia remains committed to the ceasefire agreement and the Oct. 26 Joint Declaration signed with Thailand, stressing that it will not resort to aggression and continues to pursue peaceful settlement of disputes under international law.

Cambodia called on the international community to condemn Thailand’s actions and support efforts to protect civilians and restore stability along the border.