Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

China has called for a ceasefire and restraint following renewed fighting along the Thailand–Cambodia border, as casualties were reported on both sides. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was closely monitoring the situation and expressed condolences for those killed or injured, underlining the urgency of stopping hostilities to protect civilians.

 

The statement was made on 15 December, by a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to a reporter’s question about the escalating border situation. China described Thailand and Cambodia as close neighbours and friends, stressing that instability along their shared frontier poses risks to regional peace and to the welfare of people in both countries.

 

Tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border have periodically flared over longstanding disputes, with recent clashes prompting international concern. The current outbreak has resulted in deaths and injuries, heightening fears of a wider escalation if fighting continues unchecked.

 

Against this backdrop, China invoked an ancient proverb emphasising good neighbourly relations as a national treasure. The spokesperson said the most pressing task was to implement a ceasefire, halt the fighting and ensure the safety of civilians living near the border.

 

China said it hopes both sides will recognise the importance of peace and stability in the border region and the broader interests of their peoples. It urged Thailand and Cambodia to exercise the utmost restraint and take all measures conducive to de-escalation and a ceasefire as soon as possible.

 

Since the outbreak of the conflict, China said it has maintained close communication with both parties through multiple channels and at various levels. According to the spokesperson, these contacts have been conducted in line with the wishes of both sides and have focused on mediation and facilitating dialogue.

 

China stated that it has worked to create opportunities and a platform for negotiations between Thailand and Cambodia. It said it supports direct talks and consultations between the two governments as the primary means of resolving the dispute.

 

The spokesperson also voiced support for the mediation and dialogue-promoting efforts of ASEAN, particularly those led by Malaysia. China said it backs efforts to seek a resolution within the universally accepted ASEAN framework.

 

Khoasod reported that China said it will continue making its utmost efforts to mediate and promote dialogue. The spokesperson added that China intends to play a constructive role in its own way to push for a ceasefire and the restoration of peace.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• China has urged Thailand and Cambodia to agree to an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians.

• Beijing says it is actively mediating and supporting dialogue through bilateral and ASEAN channels.

• China backs a resolution within the ASEAN framework, with Malaysia playing a key role.

 

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-16

 

 

 

If this works out, I am sure Xi Jingping will receive the Nobel Peace Prize next year.

(irony out).

Stop flogging the Cambodians weapons would be a good start 

Ring, ring. Hello? This is Pot calling for Kettle Black.

UPDATE
Army Confirms 17th Death in Thai–Cambodian Clashes

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

The Thai Army confirmed on Tuesday morning, December 16, 2025, that a 17th fatality has been recorded following clashes along the Thai–Cambodian border. Staff Sergeant Major Kritsada Hansuphot, also known as “Sergeant Dubai,” lost his life while on duty, bringing the confirmed number of Thai military deaths to 17.

 

The announcement underscored the immediate human toll of the ongoing border confrontation, with multiple Thai personnel reported killed and injured in recent engagements. News of his death prompted renewed attention to the seriousness of the fighting and its impact on frontline units.

 

According to information shared by the Facebook page “Army Military Force,” Staff Sergeant Major Kritsada Hansuphot served with a combat unit under the Second Army Area. He was attached to the 3rd Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment (3rd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment) based at Phra Yot Mueang Khwang Camp in Nakhon Phanom province.

 

The post also clarified misinformation circulating online, stating that he was not a medical non-commissioned officer attached to the 11th Infantry Battalion. This clarification was issued to ensure accuracy regarding his role and unit amid widespread sharing of his image and name.

 

Reports state that Staff Sergeant Major Kritsada was killed at approximately 7pm on December 15, 2025, while performing his duties in a combat area along the Thai–Cambodian border. Thai media described his death as occurring during active operations linked to the ongoing clashes.

 

Khaosod reported that the Thai Army and affiliated pages paid tribute to him as a soldier who sacrificed his life in the line of duty to protect the country and ensure public safety. His death adds to mounting concern over the duration and intensity of the border fighting.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• The Thai Army confirmed Staff Sergeant Major Kritsada Hansuphot as the 17th fatality in the border clashes.

• He died at around 7pm on December 15, 2025, while on duty in the Thai–Cambodian border combat zone.

• Officials clarified he served with the 3rd Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment and was not a medical NCO.

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-16

 

 

Did they answer for those Chinese made Anti-Tank missiles captured off Cambodian soldiers at the border? With friends like China, who needs enemies? 

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The statement was made on 15 December, by a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to a reporter’s question about the escalating border situation. China described Thailand and Cambodia as close neighbours and friends, stressing that instability along their shared frontier poses risks to regional peace and to the welfare of people in both countries.

Chinese PR propaganda that only fools the populace as China is trying to play a distraction game.

UPDATE
Rocket Strike Damages Thai Temple as Jets Hit Cambodia

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

A temple hall in Surin Province was severely damaged on 16 December, after Cambodian forces fired BM-21 rockets across the border, while Thai air operations continued against Cambodian military targets. According to the Facebook page Army Military Force, the rockets struck the temple grounds but monks and novices were unharmed.

 

The same day, the Royal Thai Air Force carried out multiple air strikes aimed at degrading Cambodia’s military capabilities along the border. The strikes targeted bases and ammunition depots in response to ongoing clashes and security threats affecting several Thai provinces.

 

The cross-border incident occurred amid heightened tensions along the Thai–Cambodian frontier, which have seen repeated exchanges of fire and military movements against. Authorities have described the situation as serious but manageable, with efforts focused on limiting harm to civilians and infrastructure.

 

Earlier on 16 December 2025, at 14:46, Army Military Force posted video footage showing Thai F-16 fighter jets conducting air strikes in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey Province, opposite Thailand’s Second Army Region. The post stated that the jets bombed fortified positions and artillery ammunition depots, with explosions reported continuously in the area.

 

Later at 16:57, the same page reported that Thai F-16s were operating jointly with Gripen fighter jets to strike Cambodian troop positions along the Trat front. The Royal Thai Air Force said the operations were part of an ongoing mission to reduce Cambodia’s combat capabilities.

 

Against this backdrop, the Chanthaburi–Trat Border Defense Command announced the revocation of a curfew in Trat Province. The curfew, imposed on 14 December 2025 in Khlong Yai, Bo Rai, Laem Ngop, Khao Saming, and Mueang Trat districts, was lifted on 16 December after authorities assessed that threats to life and property from outside the Kingdom were under control.

 

Rear Admiral Apichart Sapprasert, Commander of the Chanthaburi–Trat Border Defense Command, signed the order lifting the restrictions with immediate effect. Officials said the decision was intended to ease daily hardships, support livelihoods, and help restore economic activity and tourism.

 

At a joint briefing on the Thailand–Cambodia situation, Lieutenant Commander Naphatsakorn Thipso, Assistant Spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, said the situation in Trat had stabilised sufficiently for residents to resume normal life. Defence Ministry spokesperson Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri added that measures such as curfews were implemented solely to protect civilians and prevent sabotage, and would be minimised wherever possible.

 

Khoasod reported that Thai authorities said border security operations would continue while closely monitoring developments, with the stated aim of maintaining control of the situation and reducing impacts on civilians on both sides of the border.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Cambodian BM-21 rockets damaged a temple hall in Surin Province on 16 December 2025, with no casualties among monks or novices.

• Thai F-16 and Gripen jets carried out air strikes on Cambodian bases and ammunition depots in Oddar Meanchey and along the Trat front the same day.

• The Chanthaburi–Trat Border Defense Command revoked the Trat Province curfew after assessing that the situation was under control.

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-16