Thai F-16 Jet Bombs Cambodian Casino While Nations Fight Over Border Area
The Cambodia–Thailand conflict has entered its 14th day, with Thailand continuing to deploy its air force inside Cambodian territory.
The Cambodia–Thailand conflict entered its 14th day on December 20 Today, as Thailand continues to use its air force, particularly F-16 fighter to strike targets deep inside Cambodian territory, far from the disputed border areas. Cambodia, meanwhile, has not response massively, responding only defensively in an effort to prevent further escalation. Phnom Penh has repeatedly called on the international community to intervene and halt Thai military operations, despite appeals from the United States, China, the European Union, and other countries urging de-escalation.
In recent days, Thai F-16s have conducted airstrikes on multiple locations, including civilian and private place, as well as infrastructure that does not constitute military facilities. While ground clashes have reportedly subsided, air attacks have continued. On Thursday, Thai F-16s dropped bombs on Poipet a border with Thailand and on Serey Sophon city of Banteay Meanchey province. On Friday, F-16 has bombed the Ojik Bridge in Srei Snam district, Siem Reap province. Today, F-16 of Thai reportedly bombed a casino hotel at the Chey ChomNeas Border Checkpoint in Veal Veng district, Pursat province.
I have spoken with senior government officials and independent analysts, all of whom describe the situation as a war of Thai invasion, That’s no longer a border conflict.
The conflict has now expanded beyond land borders to maritime areas. In recent days, the Royal Thai Navy has repeatedly fired from naval vessels into Cambodia’s Koh Kong province, with reports of Thai naval movements in the Gulf of Thailand. This marks a significant escalation in what is now a five-month-old conflict.
There are also reports today of Thai soldiers entering civilian homes in Thma Dar district, Pursat province, locations with no military significance. Experts say such actions constitute violations of the international laws and may amount to war crimes, contradicting Thailand’s repeated claims that it is acting in self-defense.
So far, at least 18 civilians have been killed and 89 injured. More than half a million people have been displaced, many forced to flee repeatedly from one area to another. Fears have intensified following reports that Thai F-16s penetrated as deep as 71 kilometers into Cambodian territory during a bombing near a refugee camp in Siem Reap province.
Today, a Chinese envoy arrived in Cambodia on a fact-finding mission to assess the Cambodia–Thailand conflict. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated at a press conference that he had spoken with Thai officials and urged both sides to return to negotiations and respect the peace agreements they had previously signed.
20 December 2025
Chandara Samban, RT International Based in Cambodia
Информация по комментариям в разработке