Phnom Penh, Cambodia – December 26, 2025 – Cambodia has blamed Thai forces for “ruthless” aerial and artillery attacks along their disputed border, even as both sides hold fresh talks aimed at easing tensions.

According to Cambodia’s state news agency, Thai fighter jets dropped dozens of bombs near the northwestern village of Chouk Chey early Friday, destroying civilian homes, infrastructure, and property. Later, Thai artillery targeted the Stung Bot area near the border, Cambodia’s Agence Kampuchea Presse reported.

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry called the attacks “grave acts of aggression” and described them as “exceptionally ruthless and inhumane,” emphasizing the risk to civilian lives and public infrastructure.

Renewed Clashes and Humanitarian Impact

The violence follows renewed clashes that began on December 8, undermining a ceasefire brokered by the United States and Malaysia in October. Authorities from both sides report that fighting this month has killed at least 96 people and displaced roughly one million residents.

Border Talks Continue

Defense officials from Thailand and Cambodia met on Wednesday for their first talks since the clashes resumed. No major breakthroughs were reported, but further negotiations under a bilateral border committee were planned for Friday. Cambodia’s Defence Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata expressed hope that the talks would re-establish a truce, stabilize the region, and allow displaced civilians to return home.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also emphasized the need to maintain promises to avoid threats, reduce hostility, and prevent further escalation, while noting that Thailand’s defense minister would join ongoing discussions on Saturday.

International Calls for Diplomacy

The territorial dispute dates back to colonial-era border demarcations, with a series of ancient temples along the frontier adding to tensions. Both sides accuse the other of instigating the clashes while claiming self-defense and blaming the opponent for civilian harm.

The United States has offered to mediate, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet to stress the importance of fully implementing the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords. Russia has similarly urged a diplomatic resolution to prevent further violence.