Cambodia urges Thailand to halt fighting, withdraw troops
Cambodia urges Thailand to cease hostilities (photo: Getty Images)
Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Thailand to cease hostilities and withdraw its troops in order to minimize human casualties and resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue, according to a statement from the Cambodian Foreign Ministry.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Cambodia wishes to inform the international community and the general public that, in the early morning of 24 July 2025, Thai armed forces carried out unprovoked, premeditated, and deliberate attacks on Cambodian positions along the border areas, the statement reads.
It is also stated that Cambodia reaffirms its unwavering commitment to peace, dialogue, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
"However, Cambodia also reserves its inherent right to self-defense, as recognized under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, and will take all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its people," the ministry added.
Cambodia–Thailand conflict
This morning, on 24 July, an armed conflict erupted along the border between Thailand and Cambodia, with military forces opening fire on each other. Civilian casualties have been reported.
According to the Thai military, Cambodian troops fired the first shots. However, Cambodia insists that it was Thai soldiers who initiated the attack. The clash occurred near ancient temples located in the border zone.
Thai authorities claim that Cambodia also used artillery. Sutthiroj Charoenthanasak, head of Kap Choeng district in Thailand's Surin Province, told Reuters that a shell struck a residential building, resulting in the deaths of two civilians.
The Thai army deployed F-16 fighter jets. According to the military, one of the jets destroyed a military target on Cambodian territory. Thailand has closed all border checkpoints with Cambodia.
