Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Intensifying Strikes Amid Border Peace Talks
Cambodia has accused Thailand of intensifying bombardment on Friday morning, 26 December 2025, with Thai F-16 jets reportedly dropping up to 40 bombs in Chok Chey village, Banteay Meanchey province between 06:08 and 07:15.
The border peace talks, now in their third day, are taking place at a checkpoint near the disputed frontier, with defence ministers from both countries scheduled to meet on Saturday.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in more than 40 deaths and displaced approximately one million people since fighting reignited earlier this month, undermining an earlier ceasefire.
Both Cambodia and Thailand blame each other for initiating hostilities, each claiming acts of self-defence and accusing the other side of targeting civilians.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet held a phone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss ways to establish a ceasefire along the border.
A truce brokered by the U.S., China, and Malaysia in July brought an end to five days of clashes but was short-lived, as hostilities have persisted.
The dispute arises from colonial-era demarcations of an approximately 800 km frontier and temple ruins located in the border region.
Thai media have reported that Cambodian forces launched heavy overnight attacks in Sa Kaeo province, causing damage to homes by shelling.
