The military announced the situation of clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border. The latest at Hill 350, fighting remains intense, and the bodies of two fallen soldiers have yet to be recovered. The military insists no Thai soldiers have been captured. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized three ceasefire conditions following calls from the international community.
At 10:00 a.m. on 17 Dec 2025 GMT+7, at the Joint Press Center for the Thai-Cambodian Situation, Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, reported that clashes along the Cambodian front continue across the entire line, with heavy weapons fired into Thai territory, especially near Chong An Ma. Thai forces have successfully defended against invasions. Cambodia continues shelling Hill 350 near Prasat Ta Kway in Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province, resulting in two soldier fatalities. However, Thai forces have managed to protect the area with significant operations.
In Nong Yakaew and Nong Jan villages, Khok Sung District, Sa Kaeo Province, the Eastern Force of the First Army Region faced heavy Cambodian artillery fire but successfully repelled and pushed back the attacks. In Trat Province, although the curfew has been lifted as the situation normalizes, Cambodian forces continued shelling throughout the night, affecting the area. The Navy deserves praise for effectively handling the Cambodian military incursions.
Lieutenant Colonel Ritcha Suksuwanoth, deputy spokesperson for the Army, explained the difficulty in securing the Prasat Ta Kway security area. The terrain is challenging, with Hill 350, previously held and fortified by Cambodian troops, serving as a key stronghold. To retake Prasat Ta Kway, controlling Hill 350—a strategic point—is crucial. Intense fighting is ongoing as forces contest the area, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers. The Second Army Region is investigating the removal of the fallen soldiers’ bodies, but the battle remains fierce and unresolved.
He denied reports of Thai soldiers being captured, stating no such reports have been received. He confirmed that Thai forces are defending themselves against attacks and are not the aggressors. If Cambodia continues to attack, Thailand must defend itself in various ways, including reclaiming sovereign territory that Cambodia has used to gain an advantage in attacks. The consequences affect not only soldiers but also civilians. Thailand will continue to defend itself. Captured missiles have been put to use, and details will be maximized for benefit.
Maratee Nalita Andamo, deputy spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spoke about the upcoming special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 22 Dec 2025 GMT+7. The Ministry is coordinating meeting details, providing an important opportunity for Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkaew to clarify the situation. Thailand has sought peace from the outset, but this peace must come with security and safety for all Thai people.
Maratee further outlined Thailand's expectations that Cambodia will accept the three ceasefire conditions: first, Cambodia must be the one to genuinely declare a ceasefire, as the aggressor; second, the ceasefire must be real and continuous, with no repeated firing; and third, Cambodia must sincerely cooperate in joint landmine clearance. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has consistently pushed this issue since the first incident when Thai soldiers stepped on landmines, resulting in amputations.
She emphasized that these three positions are unrelated to the ASEAN meeting on 22 Dec but represent Thailand's stance in response to inquiries from member countries such as the U.S., China, and Malaysia, which call for a ceasefire. Thailand reiterates it is not the aggressor; Cambodia is. Cambodia must declare the ceasefire because Thailand’s duty is to protect its sovereign territory and the safety of its people, which is prioritized. The length of the conflict depends on whether Cambodia accepts these three conditions.