Thailand has escalated its ongoing border conflict with Cambodia by conducting a fresh wave of airstrikes, targeting a warehouse allegedly used to store rockets. The latest strikes on Thursday mark a significant intensification of fighting that began earlier this month, causing widespread displacement and casualties on both sides.
Details of the Latest Airstrikes
According to Cambodian officials, Thai F-16 fighter jets dropped bombs on the city of Poipet in northwestern Cambodia. This city is normally a crucial hub for land-based trade between the two nations. The Cambodian report stated that three bombs struck a civilian residential area, damaging part of a warehouse and causing minor injuries to two civilians.
Information Minister Neth Pheaktra later confirmed a second bombing in Serei Sophaon, located approximately 46 kilometres east of Poipet in Banteay Meanchey province.
The Thai military acknowledged the operation but contested the description of its target. Thai Air Force spokesperson Air Marshal Jackkrit Thammavichai stated the strikes specifically targeted a warehouse used to store Cambodian BM-21 rockets, emphasising that efforts were made to avoid civilian harm. He claimed the target was on the outskirts of Poipet, not in the city centre as implied by Cambodia.
Escalating Conflict and Mounting Casualties
This recent flare-up is part of a broader, deadly conflict over disputed border territories, some of which contain ancient temple complexes. Thailand alleges Cambodian forces have used these historic sites as military bases.
The current round of widespread fighting ignited on December 8, a day after a border skirmish wounded two Thai soldiers. Since then, combat has erupted on multiple fronts. Thailand has deployed its air force, while Cambodia has retaliated with volleys of medium-range BM-21 rockets launched from mobile trucks.
The human cost is rising sharply. Thai media reports indicate 21 soldiers have been killed since December 8. Thailand also states one civilian died directly from combat, with 20 other deaths linked to conflict-related circumstances like evacuation stress.
Cambodia’s Interior Ministry reported on Thursday that 18 civilians have been killed and 79 injured since the fighting began. While Cambodia has not released military death figures, Thailand estimates Cambodian army losses exceed 200. The conflict has forced hundreds of thousands of people from both sides of the border to flee to temporary displacement camps.
Diplomatic Efforts to Secure a Ceasefire
International efforts to broker peace are underway but have so far proven fragile. A previous ceasefire, promoted by former US President Donald Trump and brokered by Malaysia in July, collapsed. Last week, Trump announced the two nations had agreed to renew the ceasefire at his urging, but this was swiftly denied by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, with Cambodia vowing to continue fighting.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is continuing his peacemaking efforts. Furthermore, China, a close ally of Cambodia which also maintains strong ties with Thailand, said it would send a special envoy to both countries this week in a bid to end the hostilities.
Each nation continues to blame the other for initiating the violence and asserts it is acting purely in self-defence, with no immediate end to the conflict in sight.
