Civilian Death Toll Climbs to 20 as Thai Attacks Displace More Than Half a Million Cambodians

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 22, 2025) — Cambodia reported another civilian death overnight, raising the toll to 20, as Thai military strikes continued to pound civilian areas and force more than half a million people from their homes. The mounting humanitarian crisis coincides with an emergency ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting in Malaysia aimed at halting the violence.

The Interior Ministry said Monday that since Dec. 7, attacks attributed to Thai forces have killed 20 civilians and injured 79 others. The latest fatality was a displaced civilian in Oddar Meanchey province. Officials said 525,236 people — including nearly 275,000 women and more than 167,000 children — have fled shelling, rockets and aerial bombardments, taking shelter in makeshift camps across several provinces.

Authorities reported widespread destruction of homes, schools, health centers, pagodas, temples, bridges and government buildings, though no new damage was recorded between Dec. 21 and Dec. 22.

Cambodia accused Thailand of targeting civilian areas with fighter jets and heavy munitions. Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed support for ASEAN led diplomacy, urging Thailand to resolve disputes peacefully in line with international law. Officials warned that further delays in de escalation could deepen the crisis for hundreds of thousands already displaced.