Responding to reports of renewed armed clashes along the border of Cambodia and Thailand on Monday, Amnesty International’s Regional Research Director Montse Ferrer said:
“The resumption of hostilities around the Thailand/Cambodia border risks civilian lives, mass displacement and the destruction of essential civilian infrastructure.
“The Cambodian and Thai governments must take all the necessary steps to protect civilians in line with international humanitarian law and prevent any further risks to civilians.
“Amid concerning reports of civilian casualties on Monday, we urge the international community to pressure both governments to adhere to their obligations to minimize the impact of the conflict on civilians and civilian objects.”
Background
Thousands of people fled from towns and villages around Thailand and Cambodia's border on Monday 8 December as fierce fighting resumed between the two countries, who agreed to a ceasefire in July.
Cambodian officials said at least four Cambodian civilians had been killed as a result of Monday's fighting, while Thai officials said one Thai soldier had died.
Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia flared up in May 2025; since then more than 40 people are reported to have died as a result of the conflict.
Cambodia previously claimed that Thailand is using internationally prohibited cluster munitions in the conflict. Alarmingly, a Royal Thai Army press release and Thai military spokesperson clarified in July 2025 that the army resort to cluster munitions when necessary to target military objectives and when adhering to the legal principle of proportionality. Amnesty International supports the prohibition of cluster munitions because they can contaminate large areas with several unexploded ordinance posing a risk to civilians even long after the end of hostilities.