Cambodian civilians Seek peace as Thai invading forces attack

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, July 28, 2025 (SBM News) – The invasion of Cambodian territory by Thailand’s military forces along the border areas has entered its fifth day. Over 130,000 Cambodian civilians have been displaced from their homes, and 600 schools have been closed.

The invasion of Cambodian territory was initiated by Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Area, who instigated a confrontation at Ta Muen Thom Temple. This occurred after he ordered Thai troops to lay barbed wire to encircle and seize the temple. Cambodian military forces intervened to halt the outbreak of armed conflict but Thai aggressor forces launched the first attack.

Armed conflict have spread over several days from the Ta Muen Thom area to Ta Muen Toch, Ta Krabei, Mom Bei, Phnom Khmoch, and Phnom Trob etc., in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces. However, the Thai military forces did not halt their invasive ambitions toward Cambodian territory; they continued their incursion into other areas of Cambodia, advancing further to Thmor Da Area of Pursat province.

Through heavy artillery attacks and airstrikes targeting Cambodian troops and innocent civilians, they used heavy weapons including bomb-dropping drones, F-16 fighter jets, Gripen JAS 39 fighter aircraft, cluster munitions, and chemical weapons. This resulted in deaths and injuries among Cambodian military forces and innocent civilians, while over 130,000 civilians fled to safe locations.

Tragedy caused by Thailand’s invasion has made Cambodian the elderly, children, pregnant women, and the disabled lose their homes, education, and food shortages. These are war crimes committed by Thailand against Cambodia, while Thailand presents itself as the victim to the world. Cambodian citizens need peace. This is a message to people worldwide and the global community: please look at Thailand’s military aggression against Cambodia and help rescue Cambodia from the Thai invasion.