BEIJING, Dec 9 – Armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand continued on Tuesday with both sides issuing early-morning updates on exchange of fire and casualties, drawing widespread concern.
At 4:50 am on December 9, 2025, the Second Army Area said Cambodian forces had launched a new operation, firing BM-21 multiple rocket launchers into four locations on the Thai side of the border, Thai media The Nation reported.
Citing a statement by the army area, the report said that Thai forces “had no choice but to respond” under the rules of engagement in order to neutralize the threat, end the incoming fire, and protect residents in border communities.
Reuters reported that Cambodia’s Defense Ministry said two civilians were killed overnight, bringing its death toll to six. One Thai soldier has also been killed.
Cambodia state news agency Agence Kampuchea Presse (AKP) said in a Tuesday early morning release that Thai military forces had carried out continuous attacks throughout the night on Cambodian sovereign territory in the Military Region 5 area of Thmar Da commune, Veal Veng district, Pursat province.
“The Ministry of National Defense and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces continue to fully respect and implement all decisions of the Royal Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia to resolve this issue peacefully in accordance with international law,” Maly Socheata, spokeswoman of the Ministry of National Defense, said.
“At the same time, we stand ready to protect Cambodia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of the Cambodian people, and will not allow any country to illegally violate our territory under any circumstances.”
The Cambodia side also accused Thai forces of releasing toxic smoke during Tuesday morning attack, according to AKP.
Less than two months after Thailand and Cambodia signed a joint peace declaration, violent border clashes erupted again from Sunday to Monday, with artillery fire reported in several areas and residents in multiple provinces rushing to evacuate. Both sides accused the other of initiating the attack and confirmed casualties, Xinhua reported on Monday.
Thailand’s Second Army Region said Cambodian forces opened fire at 2:16 pm on Sunday in Si Sa Ket province, injuring two Thai soldiers and prompting Thai troops to respond under standard rules of engagement, Xinhua reported.
Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said that at around 5:04 am on Monday, Thai forces launched attacks on Cambodian positions in Preah Vihear province.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is concerned by reports of renewed armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, particularly the reported airstrikes and mobilization of heavy equipment along the border, his spokesperson said Monday. Guterres calls on both sides to make full use of all mechanisms for dialogue to seek a lasting, peaceful resolution, the spokesperson said.
Global Times
