Thailand Launches Bombing Near Poipet Amid Ongoing Border Clashes

Fri Dec 19 2025 04:21:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant escalation of violence, Thailand has bombed a logistics center near the Cambodian border town of Poipet, amid ongoing conflicts that have resulted in numerous casualties and displacement.

Thailand conducted airstrikes near Poipet, targeting a facility believed to store armaments. This strike escalates tensions following a series of border clashes that have already claimed dozens of lives and displaced around 800,000 individuals. The situation remains precarious as both nations accuse each other of rekindling hostilities despite previous ceasefire agreements.

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 defence ministry reported that Thai forces dropped two bombs, while Thailand claimed they targeted a facility storing rocket systems.

This renewal of fighting this month has resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people in Thailand and 17 in Cambodia, displacing approximately 800,000 people, according to officials.

In a statement, the Cambodian defence ministry confirmed the bombings occurred in Poipet municipality at around 11:00 am (0400 GMT). Thai Air Force spokesman Air Marshal Jackkrit Thammavichai stated that the military’s action was aimed at a centre allegedly used to store BM-21 rockets, asserting that no civilians were harmed.

BM-21 rockets are artillery weapons typically deployed in rapid volleys from mobile platforms.

The airstrikes represent an unprecedented development for Poipet, a region frequented by Thai gamblers and crucial for cross-border interactions.

On the previous Tuesday, Thailand reported that between 5,000 and 6,000 Thai nationals were stranded in Poipet after Cambodia closed its land borders. Cambodian officials described the closure as a necessary measure to protect civilians, noting that air travel remained available for those seeking to leave.

This latest escalation is rooted in a century-old border dispute, which saw an intense clash prompted by a Cambodian rocket barrage into Thailand on July 24, followed by retaliatory air strikes from Thailand. A five-day conflict ensued, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.

Despite a ceasefire brokered by Malaysian and US leaders, hostilities have reignited, with both countries blaming each other for the renewed violence that has involved artillery fire and air strikes.

Earlier this week, Cambodia alleged that Thai forces had bombed Siem Reap province—home to the ancient Angkor temples—for the first time during these clashes.