Thailand rebuts Cambodia’s claims of cross-border aggression and civilian attacks

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia intensified on 11 December 2025, as both nations exchanged strong accusations over military actions along their shared border. The Royal Thai Army has firmly denied all claims made by Cambodia on 11 December, asserting that its operations have remained within the bounds of international law and humanitarian standards.

According to Army spokesperson Major General Winthai Suvaree, remarks issued by Lieutenant General Mali Socheata, the Cambodian Ministry of Defence spokesperson, were “distorted from the facts in every respect.”

In a detailed rebuttal, Thailand denied all allegations of military misconduct, stating that it has never attacked civilians or used unlawful force.

Thailand labels Cambodian claims as distortions and baseless

Responding to Cambodia’s warning that Thailand's actions might threaten regional peace if left unpunished, Thailand countered that its military has never violated international law. Instead, it accused Cambodia of persistently breaching such norms, compelling Thailand to take defensive measures.

Thailand insisted its operations were reactions to Cambodian provocations. “No other country has ever treated Thailand the way Cambodia has,” stated Winthai, asserting that Cambodia’s actions forced Thailand to act in self-defence.

In response to accusations of slander and territorial ambition, Thailand maintained that its communications have always been based on verifiable evidence. The military emphasised that it had no expansionist motives, asserting that every operation was based on necessity arising from border violations.

Ceasefire violations and use of force disputed

Cambodia claimed Thailand violated the ceasefire and a joint declaration signed on 26 October 2025. However, Thailand rejected this, stating Cambodia opened fire first on 7 December 2025, injuring two Thai soldiers. The Thai Army also alleged that Cambodia had previously planted landmines during the ceasefire, contradicting its claims of peaceful intent.

Cambodia further accused Thailand of deploying F-16 jets to bomb civilian areas and employing chemical weapons. The Thai Army firmly denied these claims, clarifying that its air strikes targeted only military installations. It asserted that it had not used chemical weapons, and that any damage to cultural sites occurred because Cambodia had militarised those areas.

Thailand specifically referenced the use of Preah Vihear and Ta Kwai temples by Cambodian forces to store weapons and lay landmines. This, Thailand stated, nullifies the civilian protections of the sites under the 1954 Hague Convention, since they were used for military purposes.

Cambodia provides detailed timeline of alleged Thai military actions

In its 11 December 2025 statement, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence presented a detailed timeline of Thai military actions allegedly taken between 10 and 11 December. These included tank assaults, drone bombings, and artillery strikes across multiple provinces, including Banteay Meanchey, Preah Vihear, and Pursat.

Cambodia claimed these attacks caused the deaths of 10 civilians, including an infant, and injured 60 others. It also reported damage to cultural heritage sites, including the Preah Vihear and Ta Krabei temples.

According to Cambodia, these actions constitute grave breaches of the United Nations Charter, ASEAN Charter, and international humanitarian law. It called for the international community to take urgent action against Thailand’s alleged violations.

Thailand denies targeting civilians or heritage sites

Thailand firmly rejected all claims of indiscriminate attacks and civilian targeting. It reiterated that all military operations were aimed exclusively at legitimate military targets and were conducted with precision. The use of fighter jets was limited and focused, and there was no deployment of chemical or prohibited weapons.

On the issue of cultural heritage sites, Thailand stressed that Cambodia's own military misuse of these locations led to their temporary loss of protected status under international conventions. Visual evidence of such use has reportedly circulated on social media, according to the Thai Army.

Competing narratives of ceasefire and peace commitments

Both nations accuse each other of violating the 26 October 2025 Joint Declaration, signed under the witness of then-US President Donald J. Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in his capacity as ASEAN chair. Cambodia contends it has upheld its obligations, while accusing Thailand of unilateral withdrawal and aggressive actions.

Thailand counters that Cambodia’s claims of peace are contradicted by its continued violations and hostile activities. Winthai labelled Cambodia’s statements as attempts to manipulate global perception and slander Thailand with no factual basis.

On 11 December 2025, Defense Ministry Spokesman Major General Surasak Kongsiri confirmed that nine Thai soldiers had been killed since the latest round of hostilities began. Meanwhile, the conflict has triggered the displacement of nearly 200,000 civilians in affected provinces of both countries.

Call for international scrutiny and end to hostilities

Cambodia has called on the international community to condemn Thailand’s alleged violations and demand full responsibility for civilian casualties and destruction of heritage sites. It further urges Thailand to honour the ceasefire agreement and withdraw its forces.

Thailand, in turn, calls for global scrutiny of Cambodia’s actions, including alleged incursions, mine-laying, and use of cultural sites for military operations. It insists that its own actions are both defensive and compliant with international law.

Major General Winthai concluded by urging Cambodia to cease its dissemination of false information and instead work towards truth-based dialogue. He stated that Cambodia’s repeated accusations are unfounded and harm efforts to maintain regional peace.