Cambodia Warns UN Over Ongoing Impact of 2025 Thai Border Clashes
Keo Chhea, Cambodian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations
UNITED NATIONS, May 21, 2026 — Cambodia has told the United Nations Security Council that two alleged Thai “wars of aggression” in 2025 triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians and damaging civilian infrastructure, including the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear Temple.
Speaking during an open debate of the UN Security Council on the protection of civilians in armed conflict, Cambodian Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Keo Chhea said the July and December 2025 conflicts had caused serious humanitarian consequences in Cambodia.
The meeting was organised by China, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council for May 2026.
According to the Cambodian representative, approximately 649,000 Cambodian civilians were displaced during the conflicts, while civilian infrastructure in affected areas suffered extensive destruction.
Keo Chhea also told the council that Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site located along the Cambodia-Thailand border, sustained severe damage during the fighting.
“At present, serious violations of international humanitarian law continue to occur in many parts of the world, including Southeast Asia,” the Cambodian envoy said during the session.
Cambodia further stated that as of May 21, 2026, around 30,934 displaced Cambodian civilians — including 15,942 women and 10,356 children — remained unable to return to their homes.
According to the Cambodian side, the continued displacement is linked to the presence of Thai military fortifications, including barbed wire barriers and shipping containers allegedly placed in parts of affected villages after the ceasefire took effect.
Cambodia has repeatedly accused Thailand of violating existing border agreements and international law, while also calling for peaceful resolution mechanisms through bilateral commissions and international frameworks.
The border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand intensified in 2025 following armed clashes in disputed frontier areas, leading to casualties, population displacement and heightened military deployments on both sides.
