Thailand Conducts Airstrikes in Cambodian Border Town Amid Renewed Conflict

Thailand launched an airstrike on a building in Poipet, a key casino city near the Cambodia-Thailand border, on Thursday morning, intensifying ongoing territorial disputes between the neighboring countries. According to Cambodia's interior ministry, three bombs were dropped by Thai fighter jets, damaging a warehouse and other structures and causing minor injuries to two civilians.

Thai Air Force spokesperson Jackkrit Thammavichai described the target as a "logistics centre" used for storing rockets, emphasizing its military significance. The region has become a flashpoint due to long-standing disagreements over colonial-era border demarcations and contested temple ruins along their 800-kilometer frontier.

This month’s clashes have resulted in at least 21 fatalities in Thailand and 18 in Cambodia, also displacing over 800,000 residents. Each side has accused the other of initiating attacks and targeting civilians. Following renewed violence, Cambodia closed land border crossings with Thailand, leaving approximately 5,000 to 6,000 Thai nationals stranded in Poipet, according to Thai officials. The Cambodian government stated these closures were necessary to protect civilians, although air travel remains available.

Several casinos in Cambodia’s border area have suffered damage from Thai strikes. Earlier attempts to cease hostilities included a brief July truce brokered by the United States, China, and Malaysia; however, fighting resumed within months. While the US claimed a new ceasefire had been reached, Bangkok denied such an agreement, with military confrontations involving artillery, tanks, drones, and jets ongoing.

In efforts to de-escalate tensions, China dispatched its special envoy for Asian affairs to facilitate dialogue between the two countries. The Chinese Foreign Ministry affirmed its active role in promoting peace. Additionally, ASEAN foreign ministers are scheduled to meet in Malaysia for emergency talks, aiming to forge a diplomatic resolution.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stressed the urgency for peace, stating, "Our duty is to present the facts but more important is to press upon them that it is imperative for them to secure peace. We are appealing to them to immediately stop this frontline offensive and if possible, an immediate ceasefire."

The European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also expressed concern, offering EU support for ceasefire monitoring through satellite technology and warning against further escalation.

The border conflict remains a significant regional security challenge, as international actors intensify their mediation efforts amid ongoing violence.