SIEM REAP—The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally protested to the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh over what it described as an unprovoked attack by Thai forces on civilians in Prey Chan village, leaving one dead and three others injured.

In the statement issued on November 12, the ministry said Cambodia will conduct an on-site investigation and follow-up measures with the observation of the ASEAN Observer Team.

"Cambodia welcomes the support and participation from all interested partners in this investigation," read the statement.

"Cambodia wishes to highlight that, ever since the agreed ceasefire took effect on July 28, 2025, Cambodia has exercised utmost restraint by not taking retaliatory actions in response to incessant blatant provocative actions, including today's tragic shooting of civilians, with a view to preserving the fragile truce."

The ministry added that this incident constitutes a severe infringement of Cambodia's sovereignty, a significant violation of international humanitarian law, and a breach of key principles outlined in the United Nations Charter, the ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

It also called for peace and stability in the region, calling for "Thailand to renounce the threat and use of force, and return to its declared commitment to mutual respect, to peace and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law embedded in the Kuala Lumpur peace accords.

The incident occurred at around 3:50 p.m. when the Thai military shot three Cambodian villagers who were traveling on their usual route above the canal, according to National Defence spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata.

According to National Defence Ministry spokesperson Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, the incident occurred at around 3:50 p.m. when Thai soldiers opened fire on Cambodian villagers traveling along their usual route above a canal in Prey Chan village, Banteay Meanchey province.

Speaking at a press conference later that evening, Socheata said unarmed Cambodian security personnel stationed nearby rushed to assist the wounded civilians, but Thai troops then aimed fire toward them and other villagers, resulting in another injury and one death at the scene.

At 5:54 p.m., Thai forces fired five additional shots toward Cambodian troops, Socheata said.

“Our forces did not retaliate,” she stressed. “Cambodian forces have maintained a high level of tolerance, respecting and implementing the ceasefire and peace agreement with Thailand, and focusing on peaceful solutions in accordance with international law while ensuring the safety of the people.”

Following the military violence, nearly all of the village’s approximately 250 families were evacuated to safer areas, according to Banteay Meanchey deputy governor and spokesperson Ly Sovannarith.

The incident has sparked public outrage across Cambodia and widespread condemnation of the Thai military’s actions against unarmed civilians.