Ministry of National Defence Condemns Escalation, Reaffirms Commitment to Peace Agreement and ASEAN Probe
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia – The Ministry of National Defence (MND) of the Kingdom of Cambodia has issued an urgent statement detailing a second serious cross-border incident in less than 24 hours.
Her Excellency Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Under Secretary of State and Spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Defence, informed the public and media about the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border today:
Escalation Reported in Preah Vihear Region
Starting at approximately 05:04 AM this morning, December 8, 2025, Thai military forces initiated a deliberate attack on Cambodian forces. The shelling occurred across multiple locations in Preah Vihear Province:
- The initial firing targeted the An Ses area.
- Subsequent attacks targeted Ta Moan Thom Temple, where armored vehicles fired multiple rounds.
- Further attacks were reported near Preah Vihear Temple, at 5 Makara, and the Cham Chek area.
The Ministry stressed that this aggressive action followed numerous unprovoked, daily activities by the Thai military, particularly the incident yesterday (December 7) at Prorlean Thmar, which the Ministry views as intentional provocations designed to lead to armed conflict.
Cambodia Maintains Non-Retaliation Stance
The Ministry highlighted Cambodia’s unwavering adherence to diplomatic protocols:
“In this second incident, Cambodian forces did not retaliate at all, standing firm on the spirit of respecting all agreed-upon agreements and resolving disputes peacefully in accordance with international law,” stated Lt. Gen. Socheata.
Cambodian forces are continuing to monitor the situation with the utmost caution and vigilance.
Call for International Action and Investigation
In response to the flagrant violation, Cambodia has taken the following immediate steps:
- Second ASEAN Notification: Cambodia has informed the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) about this latest incident for the second time.
- Request for Probe: Cambodia plans to formally request the AOT to deploy personnel to the sites to conduct an urgent investigation to ensure transparency, fairness, and accuracy.
Condemnation and Demand for Thai Responsibility
The Ministry of National Defence strongly condemned this “inhumane, savage, and cruel act,” stating it clearly violates the Joint Declaration on Peace between Cambodia and Thailand, signed on October 26, 2025, witnessed by US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN Chair Anwar Ibrahim.
- Condemnation: Cambodia urges the international community to strongly condemn these repeated illegal acts and the violation of the Joint Declaration.
- Responsibility: Cambodia demands that Thailand accept full responsibility for this reckless breach.
- Appeal: Cambodia calls on Thailand to immediately cease all hostile activities that threaten regional peace and stability, and to return to strictly respecting the ceasefire agreement, the Joint Declaration, and all obligations under international law with genuine goodwill.
Cambodia remains firmly committed to resolving disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, opposing any threat or use of force, and seeking a solution that is just, correct, long-lasting, and internationally compliant.
⚠️ [Unofficial English Translation] Press Release from the Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia.
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