Cambodia Says Thailand Violates Ceasefire as Civilian Toll Rises to 19

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 21, 2025) — Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence accused Thailand on Sunday of continuing to violate a ceasefire agreement signed in October, as renewed shelling and cross-border military actions pushed the civilian death toll to 19, including an infant.

Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said Thai forces have repeatedly breached the Oct. 26 ceasefire and Joint Declaration, striking Cambodian territory despite international calls for de-escalation.

The ministry reported Thai military activity concentrated in Military Region 4 in Oddar Meanchey Province and Military Region 5 in Banteay Meanchey Province, while other areas remained relatively calm under close monitoring.

According to the statement, Thai troops allegedly fired artillery and support weapons into the Thmor Don area of Chong Kal District at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 20. Around midnight, three mortar shells were launched toward the Ta Moan Thom Temple area. Shelling resumed early Dec. 21, with artillery and tank fire reported in Thmor Don and Ta Moan, followed by further strikes minutes later.

In Military Region 5, Thai forces were accused of firing artillery into Boeng Trakuon before dawn, deploying reconnaissance drones that violated Cambodian airspace over Prey Chan, and conducting additional shelling shortly afterward. Cambodian authorities said their forces remain on high alert but are exercising maximum restraint.

The ministry stressed that Cambodia’s defensive operations are limited to military targets and do not aim at civilians. In contrast, it accused the Thai military of striking civilian areas and infrastructure, resulting in 19 civilian deaths and 79 injuries as of 6 p.m. Dec. 20.

Cambodia further alleged that Thailand has used heavy weaponry, including F-16 fighter jets, artillery, drones and other advanced arms, actions Phnom Penh said violate international humanitarian law and threaten civilian lives and cultural heritage sites.

The government called on Thailand to immediately halt military operations, respect the ceasefire and implement the Joint Declaration through concrete actions. Cambodia also urged the international community to condemn repeated violations and demand accountability, warning that continued breaches risk further civilian casualties and wider instability.