THAILAND has reaffirmed its resolve to defend national sovereignty amid intensifying clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declaring that the country will never give in.
The announcement came following a visit by a group of activists to the Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, where they presented flowers and submitted an open letter urging the prime minister to act decisively to safeguard Thailand’s territorial integrity.
The delegation, calling itself the People’s Network for the Protection of Territory and the Monarchy, included supporters from Ayutthaya, Sing Buri, Lop Buri, Saraburi, and Phetchaburi.
In response, the prime minister expressed gratitude, noting that their encouragement served as a vital morale boost for those defending the nation.
“Therefore, we will never fall or give in,” Bangkok Post reported him saying, stressing that the government was coordinating closely with the armed forces to respond to any Cambodian incursions.
He added that military leaders had consistently expressed unwavering confidence.
“No matter how many times I ask, the answer is always the same: we will never be defeated,” he said, while clarifying that he avoided using the word “victory” as Thailand has no intention of acting as an aggressor.
The Thai military has reported that Cambodian forces remain engaged along the entire frontline, with Hill 350 identified as a strategically significant location. Clashes around Ta Kwai temple remain unresolved, as both sides vie for control of key areas.
Meanwhile, Cambodia has released detailed figures highlighting the impact on civilians.
Between 7 December and 19 December 2025, at least 18 civilians were killed and 79 injured due to artillery, rockets, and aerial bombardments.
Nearly 511,000 people, including over 266,000 women and 162,000 children, have been displaced, with homes, schools, health centres, temples, bridges, and other infrastructure extensively damaged.
Public services across affected areas, including healthcare and education, have been severely disrupted.
Khmer Times cited on Saturday that the Ministry of Interior of Cambodia condemned the attacks as “reckless and unacceptable acts of territorial aggression” and called for international intervention.
It urged responsible actors within Thailand to push for an end to hostilities and full implementation of the ceasefire agreement, which is overseen by the United States, China, and Malaysia.
Highlighting the country’s national unity, the Cambodian ministry praised citizens worldwide for rallying behind the government’s defence strategy, which has provided crucial moral support to the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and Border Protection Police as they continue to safeguard territorial integrity and sovereignty with discipline, courage, and determination.
The border conflict remains tense, with civilian populations on both sides facing severe humanitarian impacts amid ongoing military operations. - December 20, 2025
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