Phnom Penh, July 26, 2025 — Cambodia has strongly condemned what it describes as a full-scale armed aggression by Thailand against its sovereignty and territorial integrity, appealing to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for immediate action.
In a press release issued today, Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation outlined the details of Ambassador Keo Chhea's address to the UNSC on July 25, in response to a request from Prime Minister Hun Manet. During the meeting, convened to address the escalating conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, Ambassador Keo Chhea condemned what he called Thailand's deliberate, premeditated, and unprovoked military assault on Cambodian border areas.
The targeted areas include the vicinity of Tamone Thom Temple, Ta Krabey Temple, and Mom Bei, located in the provinces of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey. Cambodia asserts that this military aggression flagrantly violates the principles of non-aggression and peaceful dispute resolution enshrined in the UN and ASEAN Charters.
Ambassador Keo Chhea elaborated on the coordinated nature of Thai military offensives, which allegedly involved heavy weaponry, including F-16 fighter jets, tanks, and cluster munitions. Thailand has also reportedly expanded its military operation preparedness to Chanthaburi and Trat provinces, despite no equivalent military movement on the Cambodian side.
According to the Cambodian government, Thailand's actions have resulted in eight civilian deaths, 50 injuries, and the evacuation of 10,865 families from danger zones in Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, and Banteay Meanchey provinces. Cambodia further alleges that the indiscriminate assaults have caused significant damage to the Temple of Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which constitutes a violation of the 1954 Hague Convention.
Ambassador Keo Chhea urged the UNSC to facilitate an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, support Cambodia's peaceful efforts, and encourage Thailand to honor its international obligations. He also requested the dispatch of a UN fact-finding mission to the affected border areas and proposed that the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute be referred to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for adjudication.
The UNSC Members expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions, acknowledging the adverse effects on local populations and the civilian casualties. They appealed for maximum restraint, an immediate ceasefire, and peaceful dialogue to find solutions in the spirit of good neighborliness.
The release indicated that UNSC Members encouraged both parties to make full use of the UN Secretary-General's good offices and supported ASEAN's role in mediating the conflict. Some members noted Cambodia's intention to refer the four disputed border areas, including Tamone Thom Temple, Tamone Touch Temple, Ta Krabey Temple, and Mom Bei, to the ICJ for adjudication.
