Cambodia Condemns Thailand’s Aggression, Calls for Immediate Ceasefire
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has strongly condemned Thailand’s recent military actions along the Cambodia-Thailand border, calling them an aggressive violation of Cambodian sovereignty. In a statement released this evening, the ministry denounced the use of F-16 fighter jets by Thailand to carry out airstrikes on multiple Cambodian positions, accusing the Thai military of violating both international law and regional agreements.
Violation of Sovereignty and International Law
The Ministry’s statement emphasized that Thailand’s military actions, including airstrikes that reportedly penetrated up to 90 kilometers deep into Cambodian territory, have caused significant damage and loss of life. The strikes are described as “disproportionate and unjustified,” and are seen as a clear breach of Cambodia’s territorial integrity, the United Nations Charter, and the ASEAN Charter.
“Such actions constitute a violation of Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, breach the United Nations Charter, and disregard both the ASEAN Charter and the spirit of the ASEAN Community,” the Ministry stated.
The Cambodian government further criticized the Thai military for its use of heavy airpower, including F-16 combat aircraft, which the Ministry called an unnecessary escalation that has caused severe harm to civilian populations.
Humanitarian Crisis and Cultural Destruction
The airstrikes have resulted in civilian casualties and forced the displacement of over 400,000 people, creating a dire humanitarian crisis along the border. Several areas of significant cultural and historical importance have been severely damaged, including UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Preah Vihear Temple, which holds profound religious and cultural significance for Cambodia.
In addition to the destruction of religious sites, civilian infrastructure has been heavily impacted. Homes, schools, hospitals, pagodas, and key infrastructure like the Chey Chumneas Bridge have been damaged or destroyed, further exacerbating the suffering of the civilian population.
“These attacks have led to widespread destruction, and the loss of civilian life, as well as damage to essential infrastructure, is a clear violation of international humanitarian law,” the statement underlined.
Cambodia’s Call for Immediate Ceasefire
In response to these attacks, the Ministry called on the Thai government and military to immediately halt all aerial bombardments and military operations that endanger civilian lives. The statement urged Thailand to respect international law, prioritize the protection of civilians, and cease any further military actions that escalate the situation.
“The Royal Government of Cambodia reaffirms its consistent and unwavering commitment to the Ceasefire of 28 July 2025 and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration of 26 October 2025,” the Ministry declared. “We demand that Thailand cease the use of force and return to peaceful means of resolving disputes, guided by the principles of good neighbourliness and international law.”
Cambodia’s call for dialogue and de-escalation comes amid heightened tensions along the border, with both governments under pressure from the international community to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
A Call for Peaceful Diplomacy
The statement concluded by reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to peace and stability in the region, urging Thailand to return to negotiations and pursue diplomatic channels to resolve the border dispute. Cambodia emphasized its desire to address the conflict through dialogue, rather than military means, and to uphold the principles of international law and respect for sovereignty.
The situation remains tense, with international observers closely monitoring the developments along the Cambodia-Thailand border. Cambodia has vowed to continue advocating for the protection of its citizens, heritage, and territorial integrity, while calling for an end to the violence.
