Escalating Conflict: Thailand Bombs Logistics Center Near Poipet Border

Thu Dec 18 2025 20:50:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant escalation of hostilities, Thailand has launched airstrikes targeting a logistics facility near the Cambodian town of Poipet, sparking renewed concerns over the ongoing border conflict between the two nations.

The recent Thai bombings near the Poipet border, which serves as a crucial land crossing and casino hub, mark a dramatic intensification of the ongoing conflict. With at least 21 fatalities reported in Thailand and 17 in Cambodia during this month's hostilities, the situation has led to the displacement of approximately 800,000 individuals. As both countries exchange blame for the resurgence of violence, the prospects for peace remain uncertain following a failed ceasefire agreement.

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 stated that Thai forces dropped two bombs, while the Thai side claimed they targeted a facility storing rocket systems.

The renewed fighting this month has resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people in Thailand and 17 in Cambodia, while displacing around 800,000 individuals, according to officials.

In a statement, Cambodia's defence ministry affirmed that the Thai airstrikes occurred in Poipet municipality around 11:00 AM (0400 GMT) Thursday.

Shortly thereafter, Thai Air Force spokesman Air Marshal Jackkrit Thammavichai indicated that the military had attacked a site outside Poipet used to store BM-21 rockets, asserting that no civilians were harmed.

BM-21 rockets are typically launched in volleys from armoured vehicles.

This incident appears to be the first bombing carried out on Poipet, a location known for its casinos that attract Thai gamblers and its significant international border checkpoint.

Earlier in the week, Thailand reported that between 5,000 and 6,000 of its nationals remained trapped in Poipet following Cambodia's closure of land border crossings.

The Cambodian interior ministry described the border closure as a necessary measure to protect civilians, while still allowing for air travel as a means of exit.

The century-old border dispute between the Southeast Asian neighbors escalated dramatically on July 24 with a Cambodian rocket barrage into Thailand. This was followed by Thai airstrikes that ignited five days of intense fighting, resulting in numerous casualties among soldiers and civilians.

A subsequent agreement was made for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and former US President Donald Trump, who threatened to halt tariff negotiations unless hostilities ceased.

However, this ceasefire has since collapsed, with both nations accusing each other of rekindling violence through air strikes and artillery exchanges.

Trump remarked last week that he could resolve the conflict with a simple telephone call, yet hostilities persist.

Just earlier this week, Cambodia alleged that Thai forces bombed Siem Reap province, which is home to the ancient Angkor temples, marking the first strike there in the ongoing clashes.