Thai Drone Strike Targets Cambodian Buses, Killing Two Civilians in Banteay Meanchey Province

In a shocking escalation of violence along the Thai-Cambodian border, two Cambodian civilians were killed in the early hours of December 9, 2025, when Thai military drones targeted two civilian buses in Banteay Meanchey Province. The attack occurred at midnight near Bridge No. 8, along Road 56A, in Thma Puok District, an area close to the Thai border.

The buses, which were clearly marked as civilian vehicles, were struck by drone-launched missiles, resulting in the deaths of two passengers and leaving 20 others injured. Disturbing images of the damaged vehicles have circulated on social media, showing the extent of the destruction and raising serious concerns about the targeting of civilians in this increasingly volatile border region.

Details of the Attack:

The attack took place around midnight when the two buses, which were carrying local civilians, were traveling on Road 56A in Thma Puok District. According to eyewitnesses and survivors, the drones hit the buses without warning, causing massive explosions that left passengers scrambling to escape. The vehicles were severely damaged, with some reports indicating that parts of the buses were completely destroyed.

Images released by local news outlets show the extent of the damage, with one bus entirely engulfed in flames and the other badly mangled. Despite being civilian vehicles traveling on a public road, the buses were directly targeted by the Thai military drones, raising questions about the legitimacy of the strike.

Casualties and Injuries:

Cambodian officials have confirmed that two civilians were killed in the attack, while at least 20 others sustained injuries ranging from minor wounds to more severe trauma. The injured were immediately transported to nearby hospitals, where medical teams are working to stabilize their condition.

Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense of the Kingdom of Cambodia, stated that preliminary information from local authorities confirmed the attack, adding that it was part of a broader pattern of Thai military activity in the region. According to Socheata, the Thai military had been shelling civilian locations between December 8 and December 9, 2025, resulting in a total of seven civilian deaths and injuring 20 others as of 6:00 a.m. on December 9.

This incident marks a significant escalation in what has already been a tense period along the border, with both Thailand and Cambodia engaging in military operations. However, this drone strike, aimed directly at civilian targets, has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups and the international community.

Thai Military Activity on the Border:

The attack is part of a broader pattern of escalating military actions by the Thai military, which has been increasingly active along its border with Cambodia. Earlier on December 8, 2025, reports emerged of Thai shelling targeting civilian areas in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province, causing widespread damage and casualties. The use of drones in this new attack suggests a shift in tactics by the Thai military, signaling a potentially more aggressive and indiscriminate approach to border security operations.

International Reactions and Calls for Accountability:

The targeting of civilian vehicles by military drones has shocked both Cambodian citizens and the international community. The United Nations, human rights organizations, and global governments have all condemned the attack, calling for an immediate investigation into the incident and urging Thailand to be held accountable for the loss of civilian lives.

Human Rights Watch has called the strike “a clear violation of international law,” emphasizing that the deliberate targeting of civilians in any conflict is prohibited under the Geneva Conventions.

“This attack is not just an escalation of the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia; it is an affront to the principle of protecting civilians during times of military conflict,” said Amnesty International‘s Southeast Asia Director, Nicholas Bequelin. “The Thai military must immediately cease all actions that endanger civilian lives and be held accountable for these unlawful killings.”

Thailand’s Response:

As of now, the Thai government has not released a formal statement regarding the drone strike. Military spokespersons have declined to comment on the specifics of the incident, though it is expected that Thailand will issue a response in the coming days.

Given the tense nature of the conflict in the region, it is possible that the Thai government will attempt to justify the attack as part of its broader security operations. However, there is no indication that the targeted buses posed any military threat, leading many to view this as an unwarranted strike on civilian life.

The Growing Humanitarian Crisis:

The bombing and drone strikes along the border have exacerbated the humanitarian situation in Banteay Meanchey and other border provinces. Thousands of civilians have been caught in the crossfire, with many fleeing their homes in search of safety. Humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent aid to be delivered to the affected areas, but access remains limited due to the ongoing military activity.

“Civilians should never be the target of military operations,” said Sarah Lim, a spokesperson for the Asian Human Rights Commission. “We demand an independent investigation into these attacks, and those responsible must be held accountable.”

What’s Next for Thailand and Cambodia?

The situation at the Thai-Cambodian border remains highly unstable, with both countries engaged in escalating military operations. Cambodia has yet to comment on whether it will take formal diplomatic action against Thailand, but the incident is expected to lead to growing international pressure on the Thai government.

For now, the focus remains on the recovery of those injured in the attack, the identification of the two killed civilians, and the broader implications of the attack on regional peace and stability.

As of this moment, the Cambodian government has not issued a full official statement, though it is expected that Prime Minister Hun Sen and other officials will address the nation in the coming hours to provide more details and offer condolences to the families of the victims.

Conclusion:

The drone strike in Banteay Meanchey marks a tragic chapter in the ongoing border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. As both countries navigate this deeply concerning escalation, the world watches closely, with hopes for a peaceful resolution and justice for the civilian victims of this deadly attack.