Thailand Executes Bombing Near Poipet Border, Heightening Regional Tensions

Thu Dec 18 2025 20:53:50 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant escalation of hostilities, Thailand has reportedly bombed a location near the Poipet border crossing into Cambodia, following increased clashes that have resulted in multiple casualties and a humanitarian crisis.

Thailand has carried out airstrikes targeting a so-called logistics center near the Cambodian town of Poipet, amid ongoing skirmishes that have led to numerous deaths and the displacement of thousands. The bombings come in the wake of a failed ceasefire attempt, with both nations accusing each other of reigniting violence dating back to a century-old border dispute.

Thailand says it has bombed a logistics centre near the Cambodian town of Poipet, known for being a major casino hub and the biggest land crossing between the two countries.

The bombings come as renewed border clashes show no sign of abating.

Cambodia's defense ministry said Thai forces dropped two bombs, while the Thai side asserted that the attack targeted a facility storing rocket systems.

The renewed fighting this month has led to at least 21 casualties in Thailand and 17 in Cambodia, with approximately 800,000 people displaced, according to officials.

In a statement, the Cambodian defense ministry confirmed the airstrikes, specifying that the bombs fell in the Poipet municipality at around 11:00 AM local time. The Thai Air Force later claimed responsibility, stating that the attack focused on a site containing BM-21 rockets, asserting that no civilians were harmed.

The BM-21 rocket system is a multiple-launch rocket system typically utilized in artillery strikes.

This event marks a notable escalation of conflict at Poipet, which is renowned for its casinos that attract Thai gamblers and serves as a key international border checkpoint.

Following Cambodia's closure of land borders, Thai officials stated that between 5,000 and 6,000 citizens remained stranded in Poipet. Cambodia's interior ministry emphasized that border closures were necessary to safeguard civilians and mentioned that air travel options remained.

The historical border dispute between the two Southeast Asian countries intensified on July 24 with a Cambodian rocket attack into Thai territory, followed by retaliatory airstrikes from Thailand that ignited five days of severe clashes.

Subsequently, in an effort to broker peace, both nations agreed to a ceasefire, facilitated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and then-U.S. President Donald Trump, who indicated that tariff negotiations would stall until hostilities ceased. However, this ceasefire unravelled last week, with both nations blaming each other for reigniting the violence, which has involved aerial bombardments and artillery exchanges.

Earlier this week, Cambodia accused Thailand of bombing Siem Reap province, home to the renowned Angkor temples, marking the first instance of hostilities affecting this major tourist destination amidst the resurgence of conflict.