Cambodia says Thailand bombed casino hub on border, with no truce in sight

Cambodia's defense ministry has accused Thai military forces of bombing Poipet, a casino-heavy area and a significant border crossing between the two countries. The accusation comes amidst ongoing clashes along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

According to a statement released on Thursday, the ministry reported that Thai forces dropped two bombs on Poipet, a municipality within the Banteay Meanchey province in northwestern Cambodia. The alleged bombing occurred around 11 a.m. local time (04:00 GMT).

As of this report, Thailand has not confirmed the strike on Poipet, a bustling hub known for its casinos that attract many Thai gamblers. Cambodia's interior ministry stated earlier this week that at least four casinos within Cambodia have sustained damage from Thai strikes.

The renewed fighting this month between the two Southeast Asian countries has resulted in casualties on both sides. Thai officials report at least 21 deaths in Thailand, while Cambodia has reported 17. Officials have also stated that the clashes have displaced approximately 80,000 people.

Thai authorities reported on Tuesday that between 5,000 and 6,000 Thai citizens were stranded in Poipet after Cambodia closed its land border crossings. Cambodia's interior ministry defended the border closures as a "necessary measure" to protect civilians during the ongoing conflict, noting that air travel remained an option for those wishing to leave.

Ceasefire Denials

A previous five-day period of fighting in July resulted in dozens of deaths before a truce was brokered with the assistance of the United States, China, and Malaysia. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. that truce was broken within months. Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the two countries had agreed to a new ceasefire; however, Bangkok has denied that any such agreement exists. Fighting continues daily, involving artillery, tanks, drones, and jets, since a border skirmish earlier this month triggered the latest escalation.

The conflict is rooted in a long-standing territorial dispute over the demarcation of their 800-kilometer (500-mile) border, established during the colonial era, and the presence of ancient temple ruins along the frontier. Both sides accuse the other of initiating the renewed fighting, each claiming self-defense while exchanging accusations of attacks targeting civilians.

China has announced that its special envoy for Asian affairs will travel to Cambodia and Thailand on Thursday for a "shuttle-diplomacy trip." The aim is to help bridge the divide between the two nations and facilitate a return to peace.