07/27/2025
Thirteen Cambodian civilians have been killed after Thai forces used cluster munitions in attacks against Cambodia.Thai military strikes resulted in the deaths of 8 Cambodian civilians, with 50 wounded, and 5 soldiers killed, with 21 wounded.
The official further stated that Thai troops have intensified their offensive operations against Cambodian forces along the border in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces, and expanded attacks into Pursat province as of the morning of July 26. This escalation includes continued use of F-16 fighter jets, drone strikes, shelling, and now the deployment of cluster munitions—banned under international law—after refusing third-party mediation to end the conflict, as proposed by the United States, China, and the ASEAN Chair.
Prime Minister Hun Manet posted on Facebook on July 25 that on July 24, the rotating ASEAN Chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, called him and also telephoned Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai to help facilitate a ceasefire agreement.
Hun Manet added that the Malaysian Prime Minister informed him that Thailand’s acting Prime Minister had agreed to a midnight ceasefire, but later withdrew from the agreement, demonstrating a lack of goodwill on the Thai side.
Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Mali Socheata stated in a July 25 press briefing that, on the second day of clashes, Thai forces carried out four F-16 airstrikes in the area of Preah Vihear Temple and Ta Krabey Temple, and used cluster munitions twice in Phnom Khmao and Techo Thommacheat village in Choam Ksant district, Preah Vihear province.
She added that the use of cluster munitions demonstrates brutality, inhumanity, and constitutes a violation of the United Nations Convention banning such weapons.
Mali Socheata: “The use of cluster munitions is a long-term threat to civilians and the environment. It is a war crime under international law and undermines peace and security in the region.”
Meanwhile, the Thai news outlet Khaosod reported that three Thai soldiers were killed in fighting with Cambodian forces at Ta Krabey Temple on July 25, raising the total number of Thai military fatalities to six, with 15 wounded. Additionally, 14 civilians have been killed and around 30 wounded, with more than 130,000 people displaced.
Cambodian authorities reported that as of July 25, over 11,558 families in Preah Vihear province and 6,657 families in Oddar Meanchey province had fled to safe areas.
The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting on the morning of July 26 regarding the Cambodia-Thailand conflict.
