Thai Forces Use Heavy Artillery, Drones, and Toxic Gas; 7 Civilians Dead in Violation of UN Charter Article 51
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – The Ministry of National Defence (MND) has confirmed that the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) have executed their right to self-defense, citing renewed, aggressive acts by Thai military forces against Cambodian territory and sovereignty.
H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Defence, today informed national and international media that the Thai side has repeatedly violated the Ceasefire Agreement (July 28, 2025) and the Joint Declaration (October 26, 2025) by initiating firing and illegal encroachment.
I. Exercising the Right to Self-Defense
Justification Under the UN Charter
The MND statement clearly justified the RCAF’s counterattacks, which were necessary after Thai aggression initiated firing and encroachment.
“The Cambodian armed forces had no other choice but to exercise their right to self-defense within their sovereign territory… as enshrined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter,” the statement confirmed.
The MND strongly condemned the Thai actions as “barbaric and vicious acts of aggression.” These actions are a grave violation of the high-profile agreements witnessed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister H.E. Anwar Ibrahim (ASEAN Chair). The RCAF remains unwavering in its commitment to defending national sovereignty and the safety of its citizens.
II. Detailed Report of Aggression (December 8–9, 2025)
Military Region 5: Heavy Shelling and Toxic Warfare
In Military Region 5 (Battambang/Banteay Meanchey), Thai forces executed complex, intense operations:
- Civilian Casualties: Shelling activities targeting Thmar Pouk district resulted in the deaths of two civilians fleeing on National Road 56.
- Toxic Gas and Drones: Thai military utilized large bomber drones and sprayed toxic gas over the Phnum Trangol region and other areas.
- Weaponry: Attacks involved intense shelling in Chok Chey and Prey Chan villages from 8:39 PM (Dec 8) to 8:00 AM (Dec 9), including the use of 105mm shells at O’ Phlok Domrei. Operations expanded across Thmar Pouk and Komrieng districts.
Military Region 4: Tanks and Artillery
Aggression continued across multiple key border areas (Preah Vihear/Oddar Meanchey):
- Expanded Assault: From 4:45 AM until 8:00 AM, the attack expanded from Phnom Khmoch to numerous strategic and historical sites, including Tamone temple, Takrabey temple, Preah Vihear temple, and An Ses.
- Heavy Force Deployment: Thai forces used various heavy and destructive military assets, including tanks, heavy artilleries, infantry, and deployed toxic gas in several locations.
III. Call for Peace Amidst Civilian Tragedy
7 Civilians Killed, 20 Injured
The brutal actions targeting civilian areas have led to a confirmed casualty toll: seven innocent Cambodian civilians killed and 20 seriously injured between December 8 and 9.
The MND concluded by reiterating the call for a diplomatic solution: Cambodia urges Thailand to honor the ceasefire and the Joint Declaration, underscoring that the RCAF will continue to defend the safety and well-being of Cambodian citizens while adhering to international law.
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