Picture courtesy of Khaosod 

 

Cambodia has closed all border crossings with Thailand until further notice, preventing waiting Thai nationals, who have been stranded for day from returning, as fighting between the two forces continues along the frontier. The closure was confirmed by Cambodia’s interior ministry and comes amid renewed clashes and reported rocket fire affecting civilian areas. Authorities on both sides have warned residents to avoid affected zones as the security situation remains volatile.

 

The latest escalation occurred on 14 December 2025, when fighting broke out at around 5:00 a.m. along the Thai–Cambodian border in Surin Province. Cambodian troops reportedly launched heavy attacks on areas around Ta Kwai Temple, Khna Temple, Chong Krang Pass, and Hill 350 in Bak Dai Subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak District. The clashes marked a continuation of hostilities that have persisted in recent days.

 

According to reports from the area, Cambodian forces opened artillery fire in an attempt to reclaim territory. At 8:25 a.m., a first salvo of BM-21 rockets was fired toward the Ta Kwai Temple area. Some of the shells landed in civilian zones, including farmland and areas near Khao To Temple in Bak Dai Subdistrict.

 

A member of the local village defence unit, known as Chor Ror Bor, in Bak Dai Subdistrict said that heavy fighting between the two sides was already underway by about 5:40 a.m. The source confirmed that shells landed in villagers’ orchards and farmland near Khao To Temple. No shells were reported to have struck residential homes and most of the morning shelling was concentrated around Khna Temple and Ta Kwai Temple.

 

Authorities have advised civilians with no involvement in the fighting to stay away from the area. They have also urged motorists to avoid Highway 224 between Phanom Dong Rak and Kap Choeng districts due to safety concerns. As of the latest reports, no confirmed damage assessments have been released, and inspections are ongoing.

 

By approximately 12:30 p.m. on 14 December, BM-21 rocket fire from the Cambodian side could still be heard intermittently. Thai forces were also reported to be continuing to return fire, suggesting that the clashes were expected to remain intense throughout the day.

 

In a separate but related development, a curfew has been imposed in five districts of Trat Province. The measure followed an incident last night in which the Trat Marine Task Force headquarters was shelled with M79 grenades. Authorities stated that the launch coordinates were traced to within the country, prompting heightened security measures.

 

Khoasod reported that the border restrictions are expected to remain in place until further notice. Security agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, while residents in affected provinces are being urged to follow official guidance as military operations and investigations continue.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Cambodia has closed all border crossings with Thailand indefinitely amid ongoing clashes.

• BM-21 rockets landed in civilian areas near Khao To Temple on 14 December 2025.

• A curfew is now in force in five districts of Trat Province after an M79 attack.

 

Related Stories

 

Thailand-rules-out-ceasefire-until-cambodia-ends-hostilities

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-12-14

 

 

Are all the Thai border check-points open for Cambodians to pass freely?

Hmm that's not cricket 

UPDATE
Thai Army Warns Cambodia Detaining Thais at Poipet Border

 

Picture courtesy of ThaiRath 

 

The Royal Thai Army said Cambodian authorities are obstructing the return of several thousand Thai citizens at the Poipet border checkpoint, with more than 100 already re-entering Thailand illegally after being blocked from leaving Cambodia. On 14 December 2025, the army warned the actions may amount to unlawful detention of civilians, prompting immediate humanitarian and security concerns along the Thai–Cambodian border.

 

The statement followed reports that Cambodian authorities refused to allow Thai nationals to exit via official channels at Poipet, leaving workers stranded in Banteay Meanchey province. The permanent Klong Luek crossing in Aranyaprathet district was closed indefinitely, despite requests made by the Thai government through the Thai embassy on 11 December 2025 to facilitate departures.

 

Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, said the obstruction may constitute unlawful detention or closely resemble the taking of civilians as hostages. He said this could lead to international perceptions of illegal detention and violations of fundamental human rights, particularly the right and freedom to return to one’s country of origin.

 

He added that the actions may also breach international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 on the protection of civilians during war, the Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions, and the 1977 protocols concerning the protection of victims of international armed conflicts. Those involved in unlawful detention could therefore be liable for war crimes under international law, he said.

 

As Cambodia is a signatory to the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, Maj. Gen. Winthai said it is legally obligated to comply strictly with these provisions. He said this includes facilitating the prompt return of several thousand Thai citizens at the Poipet checkpoint to avoid violations of international law and universal human rights principles.

 

Amid the closure, Thai nationals began crossing back through natural routes into Sa Kaeo province. The Eastern Border Force reported that soldiers from the Aranyaprathet Task Force under the 2nd Infantry Division, King’s Guard, and rangers from the 12th Ranger Regiment Control Unit intercepted 100 people over two days.

 

Military officials said those found wanted for other offences will be prosecuted, while individuals with no legal issues will be released to return home. ThaiRath reported authorities will continue diplomatic engagement with Cambodia to seek the reopening of official crossings, while border forces remain on alert if restrictions persist.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Cambodian authorities blocked Thai nationals at Poipet, prompting warnings of possible unlawful detention.

• A total of 100 Thais crossed back illegally over two days after official exits were refused.

• All returnees were detained for legal processing, with outcomes based on background checks.

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Thairath 2025-12-15

 

 

Hun Sen Says Thais Not Blocked, Advises Return by Air

 

 

43 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Hun Sen Says Thais Not Blocked, Advises Return by Air

 

 

Sure, can see all the poor Thai's flocking to the airport to catch a plane back home.