Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence has reported that Thai military forces continued firing at Cambodian troops this morning, while Cambodian forces exercised maximum restraint and did not return fire.
According to H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Under Secretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry, the Thai side opened fire again on the morning of Dec. 8, beginning at approximately 05:04 a.m., in the An Ses area of Preah Vihear province. Additional rounds were later fired near Tamone Thom Temple using armored vehicles, as well as in the vicinity of Preah Vihear Temple, the 5 Makara area, and Chamkar Chek.
The spokeswoman stated that this latest attack follows a series of provocative actions by the Thai military in recent days, including the incident at Prolean Thmar on the afternoon of Dec. 7, which was carried out with the intention of escalating tensions.
The Ministry reaffirmed that, in line with Cambodia’s commitment to all existing agreements and to resolving disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, Cambodian forces did not return fire. Cambodian authorities continue to closely monitor and assess the situation with the highest level of caution.
Cambodia has formally notified the ASEAN Observers Team (AOT) regarding these incidents and plans to request that AOT visit the site to conduct an investigation to establish the facts and ensure transparency, justice, and accuracy.
The Ministry condemned what it described as “inhumane and brutal” actions by the Thai military, saying the attacks clearly violate the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Declaration on Peace Deal, signed on Oct. 26, 2025, by the Prime Ministers of both countries, witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who also serves as ASEAN Chair.
Cambodia called on the international community to firmly condemn Thailand’s repeated breaches of the Joint Declaration and its unlawful actions, urging that Thailand be held fully accountable. The Ministry further urged Thailand to immediately halt all hostilities, which threaten peace and stability in the region.
Cambodia also appealed to Thailand to adhere strictly and sincerely to the ceasefire, the Joint Declaration on Peace Deal, and all obligations under international law.
“The Kingdom reiterated its strong commitment to respecting and implementing the ceasefire, the Joint Declaration, and all previous accords reached between the two countries. Cambodia stressed that all disputes must be resolved peacefully, in line with international law and existing treaties, and firmly rejected any form of threat or use of force, emphasising the need for a just, proper, and lasting solution,” concluded the spokeswoman.
