Minister of Defense General Nattaphon Narkphanit delivered a statement concerning border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia on 8 December 2025, as follows:

“Since the signing of the Joint Declaration between the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand following their bilateral meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thailand has consistently upheld its commitments, prioritizing the peace and well-being of the peoples of both countries and of the region - despite continuous violations and provocations by the Cambodian side.

This morning (8 December 2025), Cambodia launched a military attack after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented clear evidence of Cambodia’s violations (of the use of anti-personnel landmines) at the 22nd Meeting of States Parties to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention). Cambodia took advantage of Thailand’s crisis situation caused by severe flooding (in the South) and used heavy weaponry to attack Thai forces in a manner that endangered the lives of military personnel, civilians, and Thailand’s sovereignty, disregarding humanitarian principles that neighboring countries should uphold - even though Thailand has consistently adhered to peaceful approaches. 

Cambodia’s actions clearly demonstrate a lack of sincerity in jointly maintaining peace. The use of heavy weapons against Thailand has resulted in injuries and deaths among Thai soldiers, as well as damage to civilian homes and property. This shows that the Cambodian military has failed to honor the Joint Declaration and has instead destroyed the peace that Thailand has worked to build and preserve. Therefore, Thailand is compelled to fully exercise its right of self-defense under international law to protect Thai territory and the lives of Thai soldiers and all Thai citizens.”