Phnom Penh, July 24, 2025 — The Cambodian military has successfully taken control of the Ta Krabey Temple, the Mom Bei area, and reaffirmed its hold on Ta Moan Thom Temple following intense clashes with Thai forces, according to the Ministry of National Defense.

Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Undersecretary of State and spokesperson for the Ministry, announced the developments at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, organized by the Royal Government Spokesperson’s Unit in response to escalating violence along the Cambodian-Thai border.

“Through the strong and determined efforts of the Cambodian armed forces, we fully regained control of the Ta Krabey Temple by 9:30 a.m., along with the adjacent Mom Bei area—both of which are sovereign Cambodian territory,” said Lt. Gen. Socheata. “We continue to hold our ground and maintain a strategic advantage. At Ta Moan Thom Temple, where the confrontation began, Cambodian forces remain in position and have not retreated even a single step.”

According to the spokesperson, the Thai military initiated coordinated attacks on eight locations earlier that morning, reportedly using heavy artillery and F-16 fighter jets. The targeted areas were identified as:

 1. Ta Moan Thom Temple

 2. Ta Krabey Temple

 3. Phnom Trat

 4. Veal Intri

 5. Tathav

 6. Phnom Khak

 7. An Ses O Phka Sweten

 8. Mom Tei

Lt. Gen. Socheata accused the Thai military of striking not only Cambodian military positions but also areas inhabited by civilians, triggering evacuations and causing widespread fear among residents in the affected border regions.

Condemning what she described as “flagrant acts of aggression,” the spokesperson called on the international community to denounce Thailand’s actions and support Cambodia’s appeal for restraint and respect for sovereignty.

She further stated that the hostilities began around 6:30 a.m. when Thai forces allegedly violated prior bilateral agreements by entering the Ta Moan Thom Temple area and installing barbed wire at the foot of the temple—an act Cambodia views as a provocation.

The Ministry of National Defense reiterated its commitment to defending national sovereignty and urged all parties to avoid further escalation.