AKP Phnom Penh, December 08, 2025 --

Thai forces opened fire on innocent civilians this afternoon in Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages, O’Beichoan commune, O’Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province.

According to H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of National Defence, the incident followed earlier shelling against Cambodian forces and civilians in the 4th Military Region in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces at 05:04 a.m. on Dec. 8. She said Thai forces subsequently expanded their attacks into Banteay Meanchey province.

“At 01:36 p.m., Thai forces fired on innocent civilians in Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages, O’Beichoan commune, O’Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province, using both small and heavy weapons, indiscriminately and brutally targeting civilian residential areas,” she stated in a press release issued this afternoon.

The Spokeswoman strongly condemned what she described as the “brutal, barbaric, and belligerent acts of war” committed by the Kingdom of Thailand against Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

She further underscored that the recent attacks took place following numerous provocative actions by the Thai military in recent days. During this period, Thailand disseminated disinformation through both official and unofficial channels, spreading false accusations against Cambodia with the aim of misleading national and international public opinion and using such claims as a pretext to escalate military tensions.

Throughout the entire series of attacks, Cambodian forces exercised utmost restraint and did not retaliate. Cambodia remains firmly committed to respecting the ceasefire agreement, the Joint Declaration between the two countries, and all previous bilateral agreements, adhering to peaceful dispute resolution in line with international law, H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata affirmed.

By Heng Panha