Thailand Denies Toxic Gas Allegations, Accuses Cambodia of Using Preah Vihear as Military Base

Brickinfo News Agency – The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has categorically rejected allegations made by the Cambodian government regarding the use of toxic gas against civilians, labeling the accusations as “fake news.” The Thai military asserts that Cambodian forces were the first to initiate hostilities along the border, allegedly targeting Thai medical facilities and utilizing historical sites, including the Preah Vihear Temple, as shields for military operations in violation of international agreements.

On December 10, 2025, the Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia issued a statement claiming that Thai forces had fired “toxic gas” into residential areas in O Be Choan commune, O Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province. The statement described the incident as an indiscriminate attack on civilians and a grave violation of international humanitarian law. Addressing these claims, Major General Winthai Suvaree, Spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, urged Cambodia to cease disseminating disinformation to its citizens and the international community.

According to Maj. Gen. Winthai, factual evidence from the field indicates that Cambodian troops launched operations along the Thai-Cambodian border starting on December 7, 2025. The RTA spokesperson stated that Cambodian forces have utilized small arms and heavy weaponry to attack Thai territory without distinguishing between military and civilian targets. This includes a reported incident on the morning of December 10, where BM-21 rockets were fired into areas near Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin province and other community zones, showing a disregard for human rights principles.

The RTA emphasized that the ongoing situation constitutes a security threat, necessitating Thailand to exercise its right to self-defense. Maj. Gen. Winthai confirmed that Thai counter-operations are strictly limited to specific military targets that pose a direct threat to Thailand. The Army officially denied the accusation of using toxic gas or chemical agents against Cambodian personnel or civilians, stating that the claims are entirely baseless and lack evidence.

Regarding reports of damage to Cambodian civilian areas and historical sites, such as Preah Vihear Temple and Ta Khwai Temple, intelligence reports cited by the RTA suggest a different reality. The Thai military claims that Cambodian forces are using civilian communities, casinos, and ancient sites as bunkers or “human shields.” Specifically, the RTA has detected the installation of grenade launchers, artillery, and anti-drone systems within the Preah Vihear temple complex, indicating its use as an active military base for attacks against Thailand.

The Royal Thai Army has condemned these actions as a breach of all ceasefire agreements and international humanitarian laws. The RTA has called on Cambodia to halt operations that risk expanding the conflict and to stop actions that undermine peace efforts, warning that continued violations could further escalate violence along the border.