In a statement released on 26 Jul 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has expressed strong condemnation towards Thailand’s recent aggression against Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The announcement comes amid escalating tensions between the two nations along their shared border.
Cambodia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Keo Chhea, participated in an urgent private meeting with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 25 Jul 2025, where he delivered a national statement highlighting Thailand’s “deliberate, premeditated, and unprovoked military assault” on Cambodian border areas. The aggression, which began early on 24 Jul 2025, has resulted in the deaths of 8 civilians and injured 50 more, with over 10,000 families forced to evacuate their homes in the provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.
Ambassador Keo Chhea emphasized that Thailand’s military operations, which include the use of heavy weaponry such as F-16 fighter jets, tanks, and cluster munitions, are “flagrantly violating the fundamental principles of non-aggression and peaceful resolution of disputes enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the ASEAN Charter.” He also noted that Thailand’s actions have caused significant damages to the Temple of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has resulted in the deliberate destruction of this cultural landmark.
The Ambassador urged the UNSC to take immediate action, including dispatching a United Nations fact-finding mission to the affected border areas and referring the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for adjudication. He also requested the Council to support Cambodia’s peaceful efforts and encourage Thailand to honor international law and its treaty obligations.
The UNSC members expressed deep concern over the recent escalation along the Cambodia-Thailand border, which has resulted in civilian casualties and adversely affected the local population. They appealed for maximum restraint and immediate ceasefire to prevent further hostilities and create space for peaceful dialogue and diplomatic solution in the spirit of good neighborliness with a view to finding solutions to the disputes.
In response to the aggression, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. The government has also emphasized the need for Thailand to respect Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.
Key Points:
- Cambodia strongly condemns Thailand’s recent aggression along its border.
- The aggression has resulted in the deaths of 8 civilians and injured 50 more, with over 10,000 families forced to evacuate their homes.
- Thailand’s military operations have caused significant damages to the Temple of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The UNSC has expressed deep concern over the recent escalation along the Cambodia-Thailand border and appealed for maximum restraint and immediate ceasefire.
The situation remains fluid, with both nations engaging in diplomatic efforts to resolve their differences peacefully. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging all parties to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue to prevent further tensions from escalating.