Bangkok, December 12th, 2025 – The Royal Thai Army issued a strongly worded statement on Thursday accusing Cambodian forces of multiple grave breaches of international law during the ongoing border conflict, including the use of ancient temples as military positions, deployment of anti-personnel landmines, and deliberate attacks on Thai civilian areas.
Major General Winthai Suwaree, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army, told reporters that Cambodia’s actions constituted “continuous and serious violations” of international norms in military, humanitarian, and information spheres, directly threatening Thailand’s security, the safety of innocent civilians, and regional stability.The army listed five specific allegations:1. Militarisation of cultural heritage sites
Cambodian troops have reportedly turned ancient temples and archaeological sites into military positions and operational areas, stripping them of protected status under international cultural-property conventions and putting irreplaceable human heritage at risk of destruction.2. Using civilian communities as firing positions
Cambodian forces are accused of launching artillery and rocket attacks from inside villages and civilian areas, deliberately placing their own population in danger and violating the principle of civilian protection under international humanitarian law. The Thai Army suggested this was partly intended to generate images of civilian suffering for international propaganda purposes.3. Continued covert use of anti-personnel landmines
Despite Cambodia being a party to the 1997 Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel mines, Thai authorities claim Cambodian troops continue to plant them secretly. Bangkok further accused Phnom Penh of staging de-mining publicity stunts to secure continued foreign funding while actually maintaining minefields.4. Direct attacks on civilian targets inside Thailand
Cambodian artillery has allegedly struck civilian communities deep inside Thai territory, causing panic and forcing the evacuation of more than 200,000 Thai citizens, humanitarian consequences the army described as “unacceptable”.5. Systematic disinformation campaign
The statement accused Cambodia of spreading false claims – including allegations that Thailand initiated hostilities, invaded Cambodian territory, and used chemical weapons – without evidence, with the apparent aim of damaging Thailand’s international reputation.
The Royal Thai Army stated that Thailand is a peace-loving nation with no aggressive intentions and that all its military actions have been strictly defensive, proportionate, and in full compliance with international law and the inherent right of self-defence.It called on the international community, relevant organisations, and foreign governments to closely monitor the situation, condemn Cambodia’s alleged violations, and uphold the rule of law, truth, and accountability to preserve lasting peace and stability in the region.The statement comes amid the most serious escalation along the Thai–Cambodian border in over a decade, with both sides reporting casualties and large-scale civilian displacement in recent weeks. Diplomatic efforts to contain the crisis have so far failed to produce a breakthrough.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
