PHNOM PENH, December 19, 2025 — The humanitarian situation in Northwest Cambodia has reached a breaking point. Minister of Information H.E. Neth Pheaktra reported this morning that the number of people uprooted by renewed military operations has surged to nearly half a million. This Cambodia-Thailand border displacement crisis, which reignited on December 7, is now being described by officials as the most significant civilian upheaval the region has seen in decades.
According to the latest government data, a total of 498,328 individuals have been forced to abandon their homes and farms. The demographic breakdown underscores the vulnerability of those caught in the crossfire:
- Women: Approximately 260,000
- Children: Nearly 160,000
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Systemic Aggression and the Cambodia-Thailand Border Displacement Crisis
H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Defence, detailed the military factors driving the mass exodus. She accused Thai forces of employing “deceptive tactics” to mask systemic violations of Cambodia’s sovereignty, while simultaneously deploying a vast array of high-tech and heavy weaponry against populated zones.
The Ministry reports that the escalation involves:
- Aerial Warfare: Indiscriminate strikes using F-16 fighter jets and advanced combat drones.
- Heavy Artillery & Naval Fire: Long-range shelling and strikes from naval warships in coastal regions.
- Prohibited Weapons: Allegations of the use of cluster bombs and toxic gas, which have caused severe panic among local communities.
Assault on World Heritage and Civilians
Beyond the human toll, the spokeswoman emphasized that the military aggression has targeted UNESCO World Heritage sites, including ancient temples that serve as both cultural landmarks and spiritual centers for the local population. The destruction of these sites, combined with the shelling of schools and pagodas, has left civilians with no choice but to seek shelter in designated safety centers further inland.
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Humanitarian Response and National Security
As the conflict enters its 13th day, the Royal Government of Cambodia has mobilized all available resources to provide food, medical care, and psychological support to the nearly 500,000 displaced persons. “These actions constitute a direct assault on innocent lives,” noted Minister Neth Pheaktra, calling for immediate international condemnation of the ongoing violations.
The government continues to maintain that its military actions remain strictly defensive, aimed at neutralizing threats to territorial integrity while prioritizing the safety of the civilian population.
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