Second Army confirms there is evidence Cambodia has clearly violated the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law in multiple ways
On 20 Dec 2025 GMT+7, the Second Army disclosed information on the fighting situation along the Thai-Cambodian border over the past 13 days since 8 Dec 2025 GMT+7, stating it found military actions by Cambodia that clearly violate the Geneva Conventions and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in several respects.
Upon reviewing video clips and operational photographs, it was found that Cambodian forces used ancient sites as military bases and brought women and children into combat zones. Additionally, possession and laying of landmines were observed, as well as assembling ammunition and explosives within the area.
The Second Army revealed that the actions constituting violations of the Geneva Conventions and IHL include
1. Using ancient sites as military bases
2. Involving civilians in firing weapons, assembling ammunition, and explosives within military bases located at ancient sites, especially around Ta Kwai Temple
3. Bringing civilians into combat zones without distinction and using them to support military operations both directly and indirectly, including machine gun firing, handling explosives, assembling ammunition, and providing food to soldiers in combat areas
The Geneva Conventions are international laws that set rules for conduct during war to protect those not involved or unable to fight, such as civilians, the wounded, surrendering soldiers, prisoners of war, and medical personnel. Their main goal is to reduce human suffering, protect life and human dignity, and limit the means and methods of warfare.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a broader legal framework that includes the Geneva Conventions, which focus on protecting individuals, and the Hague Law, which regulates the means and methods of warfare. Key principles of IHL include distinction between military targets and civilians, proportional use of force, military necessity, and avoiding unnecessary suffering.
However, the Second Army emphasized that based on the evidence, Cambodia's military actions constitute violations of all allegations under the Geneva Conventions and IHL, contravening international humanitarian principles that require adherence to humanitarian standards even during wartime.