Thailand has conducted airstrikes near the Cambodian border town of Poipet, a major crossing point and casino hub, as renewed clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces continue to escalate. The incident has intensified concerns about civilian safety and regional stability in Southeast Asia.

Thai Airstrikes Target Logistics Centre Near Poipet

According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Defence, Thai forces dropped two bombs in the Poipet municipality around 11:00 a.m. local time (04:00 GMT) on Thursday. Thai officials confirmed the operation, stating that the target was a facility used to store BM-21 rockets, adding that no civilians were harmed in the attack.

BM-21 rockets are artillery weapons often launched in volleys from the back of armored vehicles. The facility targeted by Thailand was reportedly a key logistics centre near Poipet, a town well-known for its casinos that attract Thai tourists, and its status as the largest land crossing between Cambodia and Thailand.

This airstrike marks the first known bombing directly targeting Poipet in the current round of border conflicts, which have already resulted in significant casualties and displacement.

Rising Toll of Casualties and Displacement

The renewed fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has proven deadly. According to officials, at least 21 people have been killed in Thailand and 17 in Cambodia, while approximately 800,000 people have been displaced due to the escalating conflict.

The ongoing violence has forced Cambodia to temporarily close its land border crossings to Thailand. Cambodian Interior Ministry officials described the closures as a “necessary measure” to protect civilians. Air travel, however, remains an alternative for those seeking to leave the affected areas.

Thailand has reported that between 5,000 and 6,000 Thai nationals are currently stranded in Poipet due to the border shutdown, highlighting the human impact of the conflict.

Historical Context of Thailand-Cambodia Border Dispute

The roots of the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia trace back over a century. Tensions sharply escalated on July 24, 2025, when Cambodia launched a rocket attack into Thai territory. Thailand retaliated with air strikes, leading to five days of intense fighting that left dozens of soldiers and civilians dead.

Following the July escalation, a temporary ceasefire was brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and former U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to halt tariff negotiations unless hostilities ceased. Despite these efforts, the ceasefire collapsed last week, reigniting airstrikes, artillery exchanges, and cross-border violence.

Cambodia recently accused Thailand of bombing Siem Reap province, home to the world-famous Angkor temples, marking the first attack on the area during the current wave of fighting.

Regional Implications and International Concerns

The renewed conflict has raised alarm among neighboring countries and international observers, as border clashes threaten regional stability and tourism, particularly in Cambodia’s cultural heritage sites. Poipet, as a major land crossing and casino destination, remains a focal point due to its economic and strategic importance.

Experts warn that without renewed diplomatic efforts, civilian casualties, displacement, and cross-border tensions could further escalate. Both Thailand and Cambodia continue to blame each other for reigniting the conflict, with airstrikes and artillery fire reported on both sides.