UN Secretary-General António Guterres Urges Cambodia and Thailand to Show Restraint, Return to Ceasefire Framework

UN Secretary-General António Guterres Urges Cambodia and Thailand to Show Restraint, Return to Ceasefire Framework

New York, 9 December 2025 — The United Nations has expressed deep concern over reports of renewed armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, including alleged air strikes and the mobilization of heavy military equipment along the border.

In a statement issued today by his spokesperson, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any actions that could further escalate tensions.

The Secretary-General warned that the ongoing border dispute has already led to significant civilian casualties, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and large-scale displacement of communities on both sides of the frontier. He stressed that the protection of civilians must remain a top priority, and called for unhindered access for humanitarian relief operations.

He further urged Cambodia and Thailand to return to the framework of the Joint Declaration signed in Kuala Lumpur on 26 October, recommit fully to the ceasefire, and immediately implement de-escalation and confidence-building measures.

The UN chief called on both parties to make full use of diplomatic and dialogue mechanisms to reach a peaceful and lasting resolution to the border dispute, strictly in accordance with international law.

The United Nations reaffirmed its readiness to support all efforts aimed at restoring peace, stability, and development in the region.