Bangkok, December 14th, 2025 – Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has submitted a formal letter to the United Nations, accusing Cambodia of deliberately targeting civilian areas with heavy weaponry and violating human rights by imposing restrictions that prevent Thai nationals and foreigners from returning home via land borders amid escalating clashes.
The move comes as fighting along the disputed 800-kilometer border entered its second week, with both sides trading accusations of aggression and civilian casualties mounting. The latest Thai protest highlights Cambodia’s alleged use of BM-21 multiple rocket launchers to shell residential zones, including the December 14th incident in Sisaket Province that killed a 63-year-old civilian and damaged homes as we reported here.
In the letter addressed to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and other bodies, Thailand condemned Cambodia’s actions as breaches of international humanitarian law, particularly the prohibition on attacking civilian objects. It also criticized Phnom Penh’s decision to suspend all land border crossings indefinitely, describing it as an infringement on freedom of movement that strands Thai citizens and third-country nationals.
“This unilateral closure prevents many from returning safely and causes humanitarian concerns,” a Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson said during a press briefing on December 14th.
The renewed hostilities erupted on December 7th, stemming from longstanding disputes over undemarcated border areas, including ancient temples like Preah Vihear and Ta Muen Thom. A fragile ceasefire brokered earlier in the year with U.S. involvement collapsed last month after incidents involving landmines and skirmishes.
Reports indicate heavy exchanges involving artillery, rockets, and airstrikes across multiple provinces, including Sisaket, Surin, Buriram, and Trat on the Thai side. Over half a million people have been displaced on both sides, with Thailand reporting at least 15 soldiers killed and Cambodia claiming civilian deaths from Thai strikes.
Cambodia has countered with its own appeals to the UN Security Council, accusing Thailand of indiscriminate airstrikes and territorial encroachment. Phnom Penh announced the full border closure on December 13th, citing security concerns, while rejecting claims of initiating the latest violence.
International mediators, including the United States and ASEAN chair Malaysia, have urged restraint, but efforts to revive a ceasefire have stalled. U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on December 13th to have secured an agreement to halt fighting, though Thai officials denied any such deal was in place.
Thailand has also briefed foreign diplomats in Bangkok and circulated explanatory notes to ASEAN members, stating its commitment to defensive operations and proportionality.
As clashes continued into December 14th with reports of sporadic rocket fire and airstrikes, both nations remain on high alert, with curfews imposed in affected Thai provinces and evacuations ongoing. The UN has called for de-escalation and offered support for dialogue to prevent further humanitarian impact.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
