The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has issued a statement regarding the ongoing situation at the Cambodia-Thailand border area.
“The Lao PDR expresses its concern over the ongoing dispute between Cambodia and Thailand. As an immediate neighbour sharing borders with both countries, the Lao PDR calls on both sides to exercise restraint, refrain from the use of force, in the spirit of amity and friendship as ASEAN Member States,” read the statement dated Dec. 11.
Lao PDR also urged Cambodia and Thailand to resume the implementation of the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration signed by both parties on Oct. 26, 2025, and make use of existing mechanisms to find a solution through peaceful means.
Since Dec. 7, the Thai military has renewed its attacks on Cambodian territory and expanded operations across multiple locations in Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Battambang, and Pursat provinces. These operations have included the use of heavy weapons, F-16 fighter jets, and toxic gas, resulting in civilian casualties, damage to homes, temples, and health centers, the temporary closure of hundreds of schools, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians. Cambodia has no choice but to counterattack in self-defence to repeated violations of its territorial integrity after exercising more than 24 hours of maximum restraint.
