Cambodia’ MOI Signals Possible International Legal Action Against Thailand’s Unprovoked Attack on Its Civilian in Prey Chan Village

Cambodia’ MOI Signals Possible International Legal Action Against Thailand’s Unprovoked Attack on Its Civilian in Prey Chan Village

Phnom Penh, 15 November 2025 — One day after the Ministry of National Defence confirmed that the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) had verified the fatality and injuries resulting from the Thai military’s unprovoked shooting of Cambodian civilians in Prey Chan village, the Ministry of Interior has issued a new statement detailing ongoing investigations and outlining potential next steps under international law.

According to the Ministry of Interior, Cambodian competent authorities are continuing to investigate, examine, and collect evidence related to the 12 November incident, during which Thai soldiers opened fire on Cambodian civilians in Prey Chan village, O’ Bei Choan commune, O’ Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province. The attack resulted in the death of one innocent Cambodian civilian and three serious injuries, with AOT observers and foreign experts present to monitor the verification process.

The Ministry reaffirmed that the victim, Mr. Dy Nai (Sal), 36, died as a direct result of gunfire from Thai forces—corroborating the findings announced on 14 November by the Ministry of National Defence and independently observed by the ASEAN Observer Team during the autopsy at the Cambodia–Japan Friendship Mongkol Borey Hospital.

In its latest statement, the Ministry of Interior stressed that Cambodia is committed to thorough investigation and evidence collection aligned with international law. Following the completion of the forensic and investigative process, Cambodia will consider filing a formal complaint with relevant international bodies to demand accountability and justice for the Cambodian civilians harmed by the Thai military’s actions.

This follows Cambodia’s call yesterday for an independent international investigation, with the participation of qualified and impartial parties, to establish the truth and identify those responsible for the indiscriminate and unprovoked opening fire by Thai soldiers.

Both ministries emphasized that Cambodia remains steadfast in its commitment to peaceful dispute resolution, reaffirming its adherence to international law, existing bilateral mechanisms, and the principles enshrined in the Ceasefire Agreement and the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration.

The Ministry of Interior concluded by informing national and international audiences that all findings will be pursued to the fullest extent to ensure justice for the victims and to uphold regional peace and stability.