Thai forces have conducted an airstrike targeting a “logistics centre” near the Cambodian town of Poipet, a significant casino hub and the busiest land crossing between the two nations. This latest military action comes amid a dramatic resurgence of border clashes that show no signs of abating, leading to dozens of casualties and massive displacement. Officials confirm that renewed fighting this month has claimed at least 21 lives in Thailand and 17 in Cambodia, with approximately 800,000 people displaced from their homes.

The Cambodian defence ministry reported that Thai forces dropped two bombs in the Poipet municipality area around 11:00 AM local time on Thursday. In response, Thai Air Force spokesman Air Marshal Jackkrit Thammavichai confirmed the strike, stating that the Thai military targeted a facility outside Poipet used for storing BM-21 rockets. He emphasized that no civilians were harmed during the operation. BM-21 rockets are typically deployed in volleys from armored vehicles, suggesting a significant military target.

This bombing marks what appears to be the first such strike directly impacting the vicinity of Poipet, a town renowned for its casinos which attract numerous Thai gamblers, alongside its crucial international border checkpoint. The ongoing hostilities have severely disrupted cross-border movement. Earlier in the week, Thailand indicated that between 5,000 and 6,000 Thai nationals were left stranded in Poipet after Cambodia implemented closures of land border crossings.

Cambodia’s interior ministry justified these border closures as a “necessary measure” designed to mitigate risks to civilian populations caught in the escalating conflict. While land routes have been restricted, the ministry noted that air travel remains an available option for individuals seeking to depart the area. The humanitarian impact of these restrictions, coupled with the direct threat of military action, continues to be a grave concern for international observers.

The long-standing, century-old border dispute between the Southeast Asian neighbours saw a dramatic escalation on July 24, initiated by a Cambodian rocket barrage into Thai territory, promptly followed by retaliatory Thai airstrikes. This initial surge of violence triggered five days of intense combat, resulting in numerous fatalities among both soldiers and civilians. Diplomatic efforts subsequently led to an agreement for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and then-US President Donald Trump, who had also threatened tariff negotiations to halt hostilities.

However, the fragile ceasefire collapsed just last week, reigniting the conflict with renewed airstrikes and artillery exchanges. Both nations have since accused each other of being responsible for the breakdown of the truce. The resumption of fighting has underscored the deep-seated tensions and the challenge in maintaining peace in the disputed border regions.

Former US President Donald Trump recently asserted that he possessed the capability to halt the fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces simply by making a phone call, yet the hostilities have persisted unabated. This claim highlights the international community’s awareness of the conflict, even as direct intervention remains complex and elusive. The continued violence suggests that a lasting diplomatic solution remains distant.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, Cambodia earlier this week accused Thai forces of bombing Siem Reap province. This region is home to the ancient Angkor temples, Cambodia’s most significant tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Such an alleged strike, if confirmed, would represent a dangerous expansion of the conflict into culturally sensitive areas, raising further international alarm. The potential damage to historical sites adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.

Read Original

Keywords: Thailand Cambodia border conflict, Poipet bombing, Thai Cambodian clashes, Border dispute Southeast Asia, BM-21 rockets, Poipet casino hub, Ceasefire collapse, Displaced civilians border