Thai Military Bombs Cambodian Monasteries, Temples, Buddha Statues in Brutal Attack

Thai Military Bombs Cambodian Monasteries, Temples, Buddha Statues in Brutal Attack

Phnom Penh, July 25, 2025 — In a shocking escalation of military aggression, Thailand’s armed forces have launched a brutal attack on Cambodia’s sacred religious sites, prompting fierce condemnation from the Ministry of Cult and Religion and the two Supreme Sangha Councils of Cambodia.

According to a joint statement issued today, the Thai invading military used F-16 aircraft, cluster bombs, and heavy artillery to deliberately target and destroy monasteries, Buddha statues, Buddhist halls, ancient temples, places of worship, and civilian sites.

One of the hardest-hit locations was the revered Ta Moan Sen Chey Pagoda, situated in Banteay Ampil District, Oddar Meanchey Province. The assault completely destroyed the temple, the dormitory for Buddhist monks, and claimed the life of a Cambodian clergyman, a devoted religious practitioner and caretaker of the monastery.

“This is a cruel, inhumane act and a crime against humanity that cannot be tolerated,” the Ministry and Supreme Sangha declared, adding that the strike represents a grave violation of Buddhist principles and an attack on the spiritual identity of Cambodia, where the majority of the population practices Buddhism.

The petition slams Thailand’s actions as inhuman and unjustifiable, demanding that the Thai military immediately and unconditionally cease all attacks on Cambodia’s religious and civilian heritage.

This unprecedented act of religious violence has not only shaken Cambodia but has also raised alarms across the region, as global Buddhist communities and human rights observers watch with deep concern.

Cambodia’s top religious and cultural institutions are calling for international condemnation and urgent intervention, stressing that the targeting of monks, temples, and sacred relics is a direct assault on the core values of peace and humanity.

Further updates are expected as the Kingdom of Cambodia prepares to lodge formal complaints with international organizations, including UNESCO and the United Nations.