Escalating Tensions: Thailand Launches Bombs Near Poipet Border with Cambodia

Fri Dec 19 2025 02:24:26 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Recent hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia have led to bombings near the Poipet border crossing, heightening concerns for civilians and regional stability.

In a significant escalation of the ongoing border conflict, Thailand has bombed a logistics center near the Cambodian town of Poipet, a crucial land crossing and casino hub. The Cambodian defense ministry confirmed the attack, claiming it targeted a facility housing military hardware, amidst rising casualties and displacement from renewed clashes. This incident marks the first bombing incident at Poipet as diplomatic efforts falter.

Thailand has confirmed it bombed a logistics center near the Cambodian town of Poipet, which is recognized as a significant casino hub and the largest land crossing between the two nations.

The bombings occur amid escalating border clashes that show no signs of abating. Cambodian officials reported that Thai forces launched two bombs, while Thailand asserted that the strike targeted storage for rocket systems, posing no harm to civilians.

Recent fighting has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 21 individuals in Thailand and 17 in Cambodia, with around 800,000 people displaced due to the violence.

According to a statement from Cambodia's defense ministry, the bombing took place around 11:00 AM local time on Thursday. The spokesperson for the Thai Air Force indicated that the attack was aimed at a site used for storing BM-21 rockets, a weapon commonly launched from armored vehicles.

This action marks a troubling development in the conflict, as Poipet had previously remained untouched. On Tuesday, authorities indicated that between 5,000 and 6,000 Thai nationals are now stranded in Poipet after Cambodia closed its land borders, citing the need for civilian safety.

Heightened tensions began in July when a barrage of rockets from Cambodia targeted Thailand, leading to airstrikes in retaliation, ultimately resulting in a temporary ceasefire mediated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and former US President Donald Trump.

However, following a breakdown of this ceasefire, renewed exchanges of artillery and airstrikes have marked the ongoing conflict, with Cambodia accusing Thailand of recent bombings, including in Siem Reap, home to the famed Angkor temples.