Updated: December 22, 2025
The Thailand–Cambodia border conflict has reached its most intense point in decades, with both nations engaging in heavy fighting along the 817-kilometer frontier. The casino hub of Poipet has emerged as a primary flashpoint.
Current Situation on the Ground
Airstrikes & Shelling: The Cambodian Ministry of Defense reports that Thai F-16 fighter jets carried out multiple airstrikes between 5:00 AM and 8:00 AM in the Boeung Trakuan area. Around 20 rounds of 155mm artillery were also fired into Phsar Kandal village in Poipet.
Casualties & Displacement: Since clashes reignited on December 8, at least 41 people have died (22 in Thailand, 19 in Cambodia), with over 925,000 civilians displaced (400,000 Thais and 525,000 Cambodians).
Infrastructure Damage: Thailand targeted “military logistics centers,” but Cambodia reports strikes on four major casinos, five schools, and several ancient temple sites.
The escalation follows previous developments, including Thailand suspending its peace deal with Cambodia after a landmine blast, and the collapse of the prior ceasefire that had temporarily eased tensions. Earlier attempts, such as the ASEAN-brokered expanded ceasefire, had not prevented renewed fighting.
Diplomatic Crisis & ASEAN Intervention
An emergency ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting convened in Kuala Lumpur on December 22 to address the crisis. While discussions were tense, several key agreements emerged:
- Deployment of ASEAN Observers: Malaysia’s Chief of Defense Force will lead a monitoring team stationed at flashpoints, including Poipet and Preah Vihear.
- Satellite Monitoring: U.S.-provided satellite technology will track troop movements and artillery strikes to reduce misinformation.
- Humanitarian Corridor: Safe evacuation routes are being established for roughly 6,000 Thai nationals stranded in Poipet.
Thailand continues to insist Cambodia declare a unilateral ceasefire and remove landmines, while Cambodia demands the withdrawal of Thai heavy weaponry from disputed zones.
For context on U.S.-brokered ceasefire efforts, see our update on the US ceasefire initiative.
Impact on Civilians and Travel
- Border Closures: All major crossings, including Poipet–Aranyaprathet, remain closed.
- Stranded Civilians: Approximately 6,000 Thais are trapped in Poipet, with evacuation advised via air or consulate assistance.
- SEA Games Disruption: Cambodia withdrew its delegation from Bangkok due to safety concerns.
Continued Challenges
- Hostilities Persist: Fresh Thai F-16 strikes in Boeung Trakuan and Cambodian BM-21 rocket fire into Sisaket province occurred even as the ASEAN meeting progressed.
- Displacement Crisis: Camps in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey and Thailand’s Surin provinces are nearing capacity.
- Landmine Dispute: Thailand cites ongoing Cambodian landmine placement as a key obstacle to a permanent ceasefire.
The current escalation follows prior border clashes documented in our airstrike and border conflict updates and escalation reports.
International Role
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese envoy Deng Xijun have been actively engaging both governments to encourage adherence to the observer framework. Trade incentives are reportedly used to ensure compliance.
Summary of Casualties & Displacement (Dec 22, 2025)
| Country | Confirmed Deaths | Displaced Civilians |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | 22 | ~400,000 |
| Cambodia | 19 | ~525,000 |
| Total | 41 | ~925,000 |
This diplomatic progress builds on previous ASEAN monitoring efforts documented in our comprehensive border conflict coverage.
0 Comments