December 9, 2025
PHNOM PENH – Nearly 18,000 Cambodian civilians have been forced to flee their homes following large-scale attacks by Thai armed forces along the Cambodia–Thailand border. The attacks resulting in at least four deaths and nine injuries, according to consolidated reports released on the evening of December 8, 2025.
As of 7pm on December 8, authorities recorded 9,005 displaced families, or 17,891 people, including 10,172 women, according to a report by the Ministry of Interior.
These figures do not include data from Banteay Meanchey province, where an additional 3,080 families have also been evacuated amid continued hostilities.
“The attacks, described by Cambodian authorities as heavy and indiscriminate, have caused widespread destruction of civilian homes, public infrastructure and cultural property,” said Touch Sokhak, ministry spokesperson.
“Schools located in high-risk areas were forced to suspend operations, as students and teachers fled in fear amid the sound of artillery fire. The disruption has severely affected both education and the psychological well-being of children,” he added.
Severe impact in Oddar Meanchey
Oddar Meanchey province has been among the hardest hit. Three civilians were reported dead — two killed by Thai artillery shells and one who suffered cardiac arrest due to shock and intense fear triggered by repeated explosions. Seven others were injured.
A Cambodian family flees the Thai shelling. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/THE PHNOM PENH POST
The attacks also completely destroyed four houses, one motorcycle and a private vehicle. In a particularly alarming incident, a Thai artillery shell reportedly landed inside a kindergarten compound.
“For safety reasons, authorities evacuated residents to five designated safe locations, sheltering around 3,000 families, or 9,371 people, including 5,082 women,” said Sokhak.
Casualties and displacement in Preah Vihear
Preah Vihear province also sustained serious damage. One civilian was killed and two others injured in the Mum Bei area of Techo Morakot village, Morakot commune, Choam Khsant district.
“Thai shelling further caused a fire at a non-operational casino building near the An Ses international border checkpoint,” according to Sokhak.
Local authorities have evacuated 1,491 families, or 5,597 people including 3,115 women, from six communes close to the border to eight temporary sanctuaries.
Wider military escalation
From December 7 to 8, Cambodian officials said the Thai government authorised its combined armed forces to carry out cross-border attacks on Cambodian territory in Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Banteay Meanchey provinces.
“The operations reportedly involved a wide range of weapons, advanced military equipment and multiple types of fighter aircraft,” Sokhak stated.
Although Siem Reap province did not come under direct attack, he says, it has received a significant influx of displaced civilians. Provincial authorities confirmed that 1,434 families, or 3,823 people — including 1,975 women — have sought refuge there.
Cambodian authorities said emergency efforts are ongoing to provide shelter, food, medical assistance and security for displaced families, as the situation along the border remains highly volatile.