Thailand says it has bombed a logistics centre near the Cambodian town of Poipet, known for being a major casino hub and the biggest land crossing between the two countries.
The bombings come as renewed border clashes show no sign of abating. Cambodia's defence ministry stated that Thai forces dropped two bombs, while the Thai side asserts that they targeted a facility storing rocket systems.
Recent fighting has led to at least 21 deaths in Thailand and 17 in Cambodia, along with the displacement of around 800,000 people, according to officials.
In a statement, Cambodia's defence ministry reported that bombs were dropped in the Poipet municipality area late on Thursday morning. Thai Air Force spokesman Air Marshal Jackkrit Thammavichai confirmed that the military targeted a center outside Poipet used for storing BM-21 rockets, insisting that no civilians were harmed in the attack.
BM-21 rockets are typically used in multiple-launch systems and can be devastating. This incident marks a notable first in terms of bombings at Poipet, which is known for its casinos favored by Thai gamblers and its international border crossing.
Currently, about 5,000 to 6,000 Thai nationals remain stranded in Poipet following Cambodia's decision to close land border crossings, which the Cambodian interior ministry termed a necessary measure to protect civilians. Air travel remains available for those wishing to leave the area.
The ongoing conflict escalated significantly in July with a Cambodian rocket barrage into Thailand, triggering air strikes and five days of intense fighting that resulted in numerous casualties. The situation appeared to stabilize with a ceasefire brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and US President Donald Trump, which has since fallen apart amid renewed hostilities.
Earlier this week, Thai forces were accused of bombing Siem Reap province, home to the historical Angkor temples, illustrating the expanded scope of the conflict.
