Cambodia Seeks Peace but Is Compelled to Strike Back to Defend National Territory, Hun Sen

Cambodia Seeks Peace but Is Compelled to Strike Back to Defend National Territory, Hun Sen

Phnom Penh — 9 December 2025 — Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, declared that Cambodia remains firmly committed to peace, but has been forced to retaliate in self-defense to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, following continued military provocation and escalation by Thai forces.

In a message published on his official social media platform on 9 December 2025, Samdech Techo stated that Cambodia exercised restraint for more than 24 hours, honoring the ceasefire agreement and allowing time for the evacuation of civilians to safer areas. However, due to continued hostile actions, Cambodian forces carried out defensive counter-operations last night and into this morning.

He expressed concern over public statements by the Thai Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, who allegedly announced plans to seize “11 locations,” the exact whereabouts of which remain unclear. To prevent further escalation and confusion, Cambodian armed forces were instructed to defend and respond at all points where hostile forces launched attacks, in strict defense of national territory.

Samdech Techo emphasized that Cambodian forces are operating from well-fortified defensive positions and are exercising organized defensive tactics to repel incursions. He stated clearly that Cambodia will not remain passive while its territory and national defense capabilities are targeted for long-term destruction.

He further addressed critics who, in the past, accused Cambodia of being “warmonger” when defending itself, and later accused it of weakness when it pursued peace. He stressed that Cambodia’s position remains consistent:

“Cambodia desires peace.
But Cambodia will be forced to fight back to defend its land and sovereignty.”

Cambodia reaffirmed that all actions taken are purely defensive, in line with international law and the inherent right of self-defense.

The situation along the Cambodia–Thailand border remains under close and vigilant monitoring.