Over 180 civil society organizations (CSOs) condemned the use of force, military incursions, and serious violation of international laws allegedly committed by the Thai government, and called for immediate cessation of hostilities—a plea echoed by students and residents in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
According to the Ministry of National Defense, as of 8:41 a.m. on December 25, the Thai military fired 155mm artillery shells into civilian residential area, resulting in the death of one innocent Cambodian civilian, in the area of Ta Lei, Kouk Romiet commune, Thmar Pouk district in Banteay Meanchey province.
At the morning press briefing on Thursday, ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata said Thai forces continue to attack and invade Cambodia’s sovereign territory, deploying reconnaissance drones and tanks and firing artillery into military region 4 and 5 which are located in Preah Vihear, Banteay Meanchey provinces.
The Thai military has also launched airstrikes using F-16 and T-50 jets. Artillery shelling and use of various munitions have caused extensive destruction of homes, personal property, and critical physical infrastructure.
The attacks persist despite ongoing talks between Cambodia and Thailand at the General Border Committee’s Secretariat (GBC) which commenced on the second day with discussions centred on the cessation of hostilities and finding solutions to restore stability, as well as facilitating a swift return to normalcy.
As of now, 31 civilians have been reported dead with 87 injured, and over half a million people displaced.
The CSOs are alarmed by the credible allegations of grave human rights violations, including sexual violence against a Cambodian civilian, allegedly committed by a group of members of the Thai military.
They urged the international community, the United Nations, and ASEAN to take concrete action as “diplomatic pressure” and “targeted sanctions” where appropriate.
“The continued escalation of forces not only causes civilian harm and destruction but also undermines regional stability, and ASEAN’ foundational principle,” read the letter signed by 183 Cambodian civil organizations.
It said such acts, if substantiated, “may amount to war crime” and war crimes under international law and require urgent, independent, impartial, and effective investigation with perpetrators held individually accountable.
Among the organizations, Adhoc president Ny Sokha said that civilians in both countries would face an increased burden if the Thai military continues to invade Cambodian territory.
“We have seen Thai forces commit serious violations of Cambodia’s sovereign territory, which have affected civilians. We condemn their invasion,” he said.
He urged Thailand to immediately implement international principles and adhere to the joint declaration between Cambodia and Thailand, adding that CSOs are awaiting the outcome of bilateral talks between the countries.
Over in Thailand, Chiang Mai students and residents staged an anti-war protest on Wednesday in front of Chiang Mai University demanding an end to armed clashes, according to Thai media Prachatai English.
