Thailand Airstrikes Cambodia as Border Conflict Escalates on December 18

Thailand launched new airstrikes on Cambodia on December 18. The strikes hit sites near Poipet in the northwest. Thai forces said the targets held Cambodian rockets used in recent battles. Cambodia said the bombs struck near homes and hurt civilians. The two nations have been fighting along their shared border since early December.

In this photo released by Royal Thai Army, a wounded Thai soldier is carried to be transferred to a hospital in Sisaket province, Thailand, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, after, according to a Thai army spokesperson, Cambodian troops fired into Thai territory. (Royal Thai Army via AP)

The clash began after a small skirmish hurt two Thai soldiers on December 8. Fighting then spread fast across several zones. Both sides now claim the other started the conflict. Large parts of the border zone have since been emptied as families flee the fighting.

Thailand Airstrikes Cambodia: New Attacks Hit Poipet and Nearby Towns

According to AP News, Thai F-16 jets struck a warehouse outside Poipet. Thai officials said the site stored BM-21 rockets used by Cambodia. These rockets can fire up to 40 rounds at a time. Thai forces said they tried to avoid civilian areas. Cambodia said two civilians were hurt and homes were damaged.

A second strike hit Serei Sophaon, about 46 kilometers east of Poipet. Cambodia said both towns were bombed without warning. Thailand said the strikes were aimed at military sites only. It said Cambodian reports made it seem the bombs hit central Poipet, which it denied.

Reuters reported that Thailand has lost 21 soldiers since the fighting began. Thailand also said one civilian was killed by direct fire and 20 others died from stress or health issues during evacuation. Cambodia said 18 civilians were killed and 79 were hurt. It has not shared its military losses. Thailand claims the number is more than 200.

Both countries have moved hundreds of thousands of people into temporary camps. Many of these camps are crowded and lack basic supplies. Aid groups say they are preparing for a long crisis if the conflict does not slow down soon.

Rising Tensions and Global Push for a Ceasefire

Both sides have long claimed the border areas where the fighting now spreads. Many of these spots hold old temples that have been hit by fire. Thai officials say Cambodian troops used some of these sites as bases. Cambodia has denied this.

A brief ceasefire in July was pushed by Malaysia and backed by pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump. The deal was later shaped in more detail in October. Last week, Trump said both sides had agreed to renew the deal. Thailand’s Prime Minister denied this. Cambodia also said it would keep fighting.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister is still trying to bring both sides back to talks. China has sent a special envoy to both nations. It has close ties to Cambodia but also maintains good relations with Thailand. Global leaders say the fighting could grow worse if both sides keep pushing forward.

The Thailand airstrikes Cambodia conflict now enters a dangerous phase. Both sides show no sign of slowing the fighting. The region watches for new talks before the crisis deepens.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why did Thailand launch airstrikes on Cambodia?

Thailand said it targeted a warehouse that held Cambodian rockets. It claimed the rockets were used in attacks along the border. It said the strikes were in self-defense.

Q2: Where were the airstrikes reported?

The strikes hit areas near Poipet and Serei Sophaon in northwest Cambodia. Both towns sit close to the Thai border. Cambodia said homes were damaged.

Q3: How many people have been killed in the conflict?

Cambodia said 18 civilians were killed. Thailand reported 21 soldiers dead. Thailand also claimed over 200 Cambodian military deaths.

Q4: Why is the border disputed?

Both nations claim land around old temples along the border. The dispute has lasted for many years. It often triggers clashes.

Q5: Is any global effort being made to stop the fighting?

Malaysia and China are pushing for a ceasefire. The U.S. also tried to renew a deal last week. So far, both sides continue fighting.