Thai fighter jets struck a site in Poipet, a bustling Cambodian casino town and major border crossing, dropping three bombs on Thursday that damaged a warehouse and other property and left two civilians with minor injuries, Cambodia's Interior Ministry said.
Thailand's air force spokesman, Jackkrit Thammavichai, told reporters the strike destroyed what Bangkok described as a "logistics centre" used to store rockets, calling it a military facility. Cambodia has accused Thailand of attacking civilian areas, and officials say at least four casinos in the border region have been damaged by recent strikes.
Human Cost and Displacement
The renewed clashes between the neighbours this month have killed at least 21 people in Thailand and 18 in Cambodia and displaced more than 800,000 people, officials say. The surge in violence follows a series of skirmishes that involved artillery, tanks, drones and jets and forced many residents to flee.
Border Disruptions and Stranded Nationals
Thailand reported that between 5,000 and 6,000 Thai nationals remain stranded in Poipet after Cambodia closed its land border crossings, a move Phnom Penh described as a "necessary measure" to reduce risks to civilians. Cambodian authorities said air travel remains an option for those seeking to leave the area.
Roots of the Fighting
The dispute stems from disagreements over colonial-era border demarcation along the roughly 800-kilometre frontier and from tensions related to ancient temple ruins near the boundary. Each side has accused the other of initiating the latest round of violence.
Jackkrit Thammavichai, Thai Air Force Spokesman: “These are facilities that have been used for military purposes.”
Diplomatic Pressure and Response
Regional and global powers have intensified diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting. China said it was sending its special envoy for Asian affairs on a shuttle-diplomacy mission to Cambodia and Thailand to help de-escalate tensions. Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will meet in Malaysia for emergency talks.
Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysian Prime Minister: “We are appealing to them to immediately stop this frontline offensive and, if possible, agree to an immediate ceasefire.”
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the EU has offered satellite imagery to support monitoring of any ceasefire. The United States, China and Malaysia previously brokered a short-lived truce in July that broke down within months; diplomatic efforts to restore a lasting ceasefire are ongoing.
Outlook
The situation remains volatile, with continuing exchanges of accusations and daily clashes reported. Humanitarian concerns are mounting as hundreds of thousands have been displaced and critical border crossings remain closed, complicating evacuation and relief efforts.
