From around 5am this morning, December 8, Thai armed forces opened fire on Cambodian military positions in the An Seh area of Preah Vihear province. Later, Thai armoured vehicles fired at the Ta Moan Templle, according to Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence.
She added that shots were also fired at the Preah Vihear temple area, as well as the January 5 and Chamkar Chek areas. The attacks were described by the spokesperson as the latest of several provocative Thai activities, including yesterday’s gunfire, all seemingly carries out with “with the intention of instigating a clash”.
“Based on the spirit of respecting all agreed-upon agreements and peacefully resolving disputes in accordance with international law, Cambodian forces did not retaliate to these attacks. We are continuing to monitor this development with utmost caution and attention,” she said.
She noted that Cambodia has already informed the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), and plans to ask observers to visit the scene of the latest incidents to conduct an investigation to find the truth and ensure transparency, justice and accuracy.
“The Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia unequivocally condemns this inhumane and brutal act. It clearly shows that the Thai side has violated the Joint Statement on the Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, which both sides signed on October 26, 2025, witnessed by His Excellency Donald Trump, President of the United States of America, and His Excellency Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia and Chairman of ASEAN,” said Socheata.
Cambodia called on the international community to condemn the violation of the Joint Statement on the Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand and Thailand’s repeated illegal activities, demanding that Thailand take full responsibility for this “egregious” violation.
Cambodia calls on Thailand to immediately cease all hostilities that threaten peace and stability in the region and to return to respecting the ceasefire agreement, the Joint Statement on the Peace Agreement, and all obligations under international law strictly, honestly and with genuine goodwill.
“Cambodia is firmly committed to respecting and implementing the terms of the ceasefire, the Joint Statement on the Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, and all agreements reached by both sides in the past, with goodwill and the highest responsibility,” noted Socheata.
“Cambodia adheres to the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, as well as existing treaties, conventions and agreements, and opposes the threat or use of force, aiming to find a just, fair, lasting, and internationally legal solution,” she continued.
