Statement of Minister of Defence concerning Thailand-Cambodia Border Clash on 8 December 2025

Dear Thai citizens,

“Since the signing of the Joint Declaration between the Prime Minister of the

Kingdom of Cambodia and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand following

their bilateral meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thailand has consistently upheld its

commitments, prioritizing the peace and well-being of the peoples of both countries

and of the region - despite continuous violations and provocations by the Cambodian

side.

This morning (8 December 2025), Cambodia launched a military

attack after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented clear evidence of

Cambodia’s violations (of the use of anti-personnel landmines) at the 22nd

Meeting of States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention

(Ottawa Convention). Cambodia took advantage of Thailand’s crisis situation

caused by severe flooding (in the South) and used heavy weaponry to

attack Thai forces in a manner that endangered the lives of military

personnel, civilians, and Thailand’s sovereignty, disregarding humanitarian

principles that neighboring countries should uphold - even though Thailand

has consistently adhered to peaceful approaches.

Cambodia’s actions clearly demonstrate a lack of sincerity in jointly

maintaining peace. The use of heavy weapons against Thailand has resulted in

injuries and deaths among Thai soldiers, as well as damage to civilian homes and

property. This shows that the Cambodian military has failed to honour the Joint

Declaration and has instead destroyed the peace that Thailand has worked to

build and preserve. Therefore, Thailand is compelled to fully exercise its right of

self-defence under international law to protect Thai territory and the lives of Thai

soldiers and all Thai citizens.

General (retd.) Nattaphon Narkphanit, Minister of Defence

8 December 2025