In a statement released on 26 Jul 2025, Cambodia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, His Excellency Chhea Keo, has condemned Thai aggression against Cambodian territory, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. The diplomatic row follows a series of incidents, including the recent launch of Thai armed forces’ assault on multiple Cambodian positions along their internationally recognized border.
The attacks targeted areas of profound historical and cultural significance, including Tamone Thom Temple, Ta Krabey Temple, Preah Vihear Temple, Keo Sekha Kirisvarak pagoda, and Mom Bei — located in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces. Thai armed forces have expanded their military operation preparedness by declaring the use of state of emergency law in the provinces of Chanthabori and Trat, while Cambodia has made no military deployment or movement in the adjacent areas.
Cambodia has formally invoked the United Nations Security Council’s mandate to uphold international peace and security, urging the council to call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, prevent further escalation, and facilitate a peaceful and lawful resolution to the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute. The country strongly condemns Thailand’s military aggression, which flagrantly violated the fundamental principle of non-aggression and peaceful resolution of disputes enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the ASEAN Charter.
The present armed escalation started with the unprovoked gunfire by Thai military forces in the early hours of 28 May 2025, killing one Cambodian soldier. Thailand made false accusations that the Cambodian troops fired first and violated Thai territory. The deployment of F-16 fighter jets, tanks, and the extensive use of cluster munitions and heavy artillery are manifestations of the invasion and aggression.
Cambodia has referred the four disputed areas to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for adjudication, accepting all ICJ rulings in advance. The country demands that Thailand fully respect Cambodian sovereignty and immediately cease all acts of military aggression against Cambodia. In order to prevent further armed conflict, Cambodia has chosen to refer the dispute to the ICJ, which represents the most just and appropriate means of resolving the dispute in accordance with international law.
In light of the grave allegations and the escalation of violence, Cambodia respectfully requests that the Security Council considers adopting a resolution establishing an immediate ceasefire in the area and dispatches a UN fact-finding mission to the affected border areas. An impartial on-the-ground assessment by the United Nations would help establish the objective facts, promote transparency, reduce the risk of further escalation, and serve as a vital step toward a peaceful resolution in accordance with international law.
A Summary of the Situation
Thai armed forces launched an assault on multiple Cambodian positions along their internationally recognized border on 24 July 2025.
The attacks targeted areas of profound historical and cultural significance, including Tamone Thom Temple, Ta Krabey Temple, Preah Vihear Temple, Keo Sekha Kirisvarak pagoda, and Mom Bei — located in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces.
Thai armed forces have expanded their military operation preparedness by declaring the use of state of emergency law in the provinces of Chanthabori and Trat.
Cambodia has formally invoked the United Nations Security Council’s mandate to uphold international peace and security, urging the council to call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
Call to Action
Cambodia demands that Thailand fully respect Cambodian sovereignty and immediately cease all acts of military aggression against Cambodia. The country urges the international community to support its peaceful efforts and to encourage Thailand to honor international law and its treaty obligations, to stop its aggression against Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, to agree to a complete ceasefire, and to resolve all disputes concerning the four border areas through the ICJ.
In order to prevent further armed conflict that could endanger regional security and stability, Cambodia has chosen to refer the four disputed areas to the ICJ and hereby declares in advance its acceptance of all ICJ rulings. The country respectfully requests the Security Council to refer the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute to the CJ for adjudication, which represents the most just and appropriate means of resolving the dispute in accordance with international law and delivering fair and reliable justice for the peoples of both countries.
Conclusion:
The escalating tensions between Cambodia and Thailand highlight the need for a peaceful and sustainable resolution to their border dispute. The international community must not look away from this crisis and support efforts to resolve the dispute through diplomacy and international law.