Thai military forces have conducted an airstrike on what they describe as a logistical facility near Poipet, Cambodia’s prominent casino district and primary land border crossing with Thailand. The operation marks the first aerial bombardment of this strategically significant zone since border hostilities resumed.
According to Cambodian defense officials, Thai aircraft deployed two explosives in the Poipet municipal area approximately at 11:00 AM local time (0400 GMT) on Thursday. Thailand’s Air Force spokesperson Air Marshal Jackkrit Thammavichai subsequently confirmed the offensive, characterizing the target as a storage depot for BM-21 rocket systems. He emphasized that the precision strike avoided civilian casualties.
The BM-21 rocket systems referenced are multiple launch weapons typically deployed in salvos from armored vehicles. This military action occurs amidst intensifying border conflicts that have reportedly claimed 21 lives in Thailand and 17 in Cambodia this month alone, while displacing approximately 800,000 people according to official estimates.
The border region has witnessed mounting tensions since July 24th, when Cambodian rocket attacks into Thailand triggered retaliatory airstrikes and five days of intense combat. Although a ceasefire brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and former US President Donald Trump temporarily halted hostilities, fighting resumed last week with both nations accusing the other of violating the peace agreement.
Compounding the humanitarian crisis, Cambodia has sealed land border crossings, stranding an estimated 5,000-6,000 Thai nationals in Poipet. Cambodian authorities have characterized the border closure as a “necessary measure” to protect civilians while noting that air travel remains available for evacuation purposes.
The conflict represents the latest escalation in a century-old territorial dispute between the Southeast Asian neighbors. Recent days have seen additional allegations from Cambodia claiming Thai forces bombed Siem Reap province, home to the iconic Angkor temple complex and Cambodia’s premier tourist destination.