Escalation at the Thai-Cambodian Border: Bombings Near Poipet

Fri Dec 19 2025 03:29:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia rise as Thailand carries out airstrikes near the Poipet border crossing, a major hub that has seen frequent clashes.

Amid ongoing border clashes, Thailand has bombed a logistics center near Poipet, Cambodia, raising concerns of escalating violence. The attacks resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating 21 fatalities in Thailand and 17 in Cambodia this month. The situation is complicated by the closure of border crossings, leaving thousands stranded.

Thailand has conducted airstrikes targeting a logistics centre close to Poipet, a major casino hub and the largest land crossing between Thailand and Cambodia. The attacks coincide with a surge in clashes along the border, which have resulted in numerous casualties.

According to Cambodia's defense ministry, Thai forces dropped two bombs around 11:00 AM local time on Thursday. Thailand confirmed the airstrikes, stating they targeted a facility allegedly storing BM-21 rocket systems, explicitly noting no civilian injuries occurred.

This month has already witnessed at least 21 deaths in Thailand and 17 in Cambodia due to the renewed conflict, which has displaced around 800,000 people. The bombings mark a troubling escalation, particularly as Poipet has seen increased military activity.

Currently, approximately 5,000 to 6,000 Thai nationals remain stranded in Poipet following the closure of the border by Cambodia, a precautionary measure intended to safeguard civilians. Although air travel is still an option for those wishing to leave the region, the tensions have significantly impacted cross-border movements.

The conflict between both nations has a long history, with hostilities flaring significantly around July when a rocket attack by Cambodia led to Thai retaliatory strikes. An agreed ceasefire brokered by international leaders has since collapsed, with both sides accusing each other of continuing provocation.

Earlier this week, Cambodia claimed Thai forces conducted bombings in Siem Reap province, home to the historic Angkor temples, raising the stakes in the already tense situation. The international community watches closely as the relationship between these neighboring countries continues to deteriorate.