Picture courtesy of Amarin

 

A Thai soldier has been killed while on duty near the border, becoming the 21st confirmed fatality in the ongoing clashes. Private Wasant Khanhuathon, known by the nickname “Esso,” died on 17 December 2025 after being struck by mortar shrapnel during an operation. He succumbed to his injuries while being transferred for medical treatment, authorities said.

 

The incident occurred as Private Wasant was carrying out assigned duties in a frontline area. He was hit by shrapnel from a mortar round that landed behind him, causing critical injuries. He was rushed to Ta Taen Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital in Kantharalak district, Sisaket province, but died before arrival.

 

A Facebook page, “Warin Chamrab Ban Hao Ubon Ratchathani,” reported the death and paid tribute to the fallen soldier. The post identified him as Private Wasant Khanhuathon of Chao Phraya Surawong Wathanasak Camp, 13th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion. It said he was a native of Ban Thuem subdistrict, Ban Phue district, Udon Thani province.

 

The report described the injuries as being caused by mortar ammunition, with shrapnel striking his back. Despite emergency efforts to save his life, he was pronounced dead at the local hospital. His death was confirmed later on 17 December 2025.

 

Public reaction on social media has focused on mourning and tributes to the fallen soldier. Local community pages and residents from his home province expressed condolences to his family and honoured his service. Military authorities have not released further operational details surrounding the incident.

 

Amarin reported that security forces remain on heightened alert along the affected border zones. Officials have indicated that operations will continue as required, while casualty figures are monitored and updated as incidents are confirmed.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Private Wasant Khanhuathon was killed by mortar shrapnel on 17 December 2025, becoming the 21st fatality.

• He was injured during border operations and died while being transferred to a hospital in Sisaket province.

• The incident highlights the continuing risks amid intensified border clashes.

 

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin.2025-12-18

 

 

UPDATE
F-16 Strikes Cambodian Military Base Near Poipet

 

Pictures courtesy of Amrin

 

The Royal Thai Air Force said on Thursday that an F-16 fighter jet carried out an airstrike, dropping two bombs on a Cambodian military base in Poipet. The operation targeted a site identified as an arms depot and a building used by a scammer gang, with explosions reported in the area. Images circulating online showed damage to military-related structures, drawing immediate attention due to the proximity to the Thai–Cambodian border.

 

The incident followed reports from Thai social media pages stating that the bombing occurred in Poipet on 18 December 2568. A well-known page, Thai Burma Railway, said it identified the location as the Singto Siam warehouse north of the roundabout where Highway 5 and Highway 58 intersect. The post suggested the area was believed to be a Cambodian Border Patrol Police camp and a potential weapons concentration point.

 

Further clarification from Cambodian sources indicated that Border Patrol Police Unit 891 had been hit, with the nearby Singto Siam warehouse possibly suffering roof damage from the blast wave rather than being the primary target. Observers noted that only parts of the structures were damaged, suggesting the bombs were dropped to limit collateral damage. Additional images showed sections of the Cambodian border police camp damaged, with speculation that two bombs were used.

 

The Royal Thai Air Force issued an official statement confirming the strike near Poipet. Air Vice Marshal Chakrit Thammachai, the Air Force spokesperson, said the target was a logistics centre and weapons depot storing ammunition, explosives and BM-21 multiple rocket launchers used by Cambodian forces. He stated that these rockets had been fired into Thailand the previous evening, affecting both Thai military personnel and civilian areas.

 

The spokesperson said Thai intelligence had closely monitored the site and observed the continuous movement of BM-21 rockets in and out of the area. Surveillance confirmed no civilians were present nearby, leading to the decision to strike the target. Released images showed multiple secondary explosions, attributed to BM-21 rockets detonating inside the depot.

 

Amarin reported that the Air Force stressed that the operation was conducted under principles of necessity, proportionality and humanitarian consideration. It said the objective was to strike only military targets to protect Thailand’s sovereignty, while clearly distinguishing between military and civilian areas. Authorities indicated that further monitoring of the situation along the border would continue.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A Thai F-16 dropped two bombs on a Cambodian military site near Poipet on 18 December 2568.

• The Royal Thai Air Force said the target was a weapons depot storing BM-21 rockets used against Thailand.

• Officials said intelligence confirmed no civilians were present and damage was limited to military objectives.

 

 

 Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-12-18

 

 

Awesome job! Raise the Thai Flag! Salute to the Thai Army!

I don't understand anymore.. The dispute was based on the border, but now it seems they have changed to scam centers and casinos.. No wonder Cambodia doesn't accept the cease fire

9 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

I don't understand anymore.. The dispute was based on the border, but now it seems they have changed to scam centers and casinos.. No wonder Cambodia doesn't accept the cease fire

 

2 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

The operation targeted a site identified as an arms depot and a building used by a scammer gang

In an earlier operation, a casino was identified as also being a centre for operating military drones.

 

Using civilian establishments to hide military weapons/facilities, seems to be a fairly common practice - not just in this war.

 

Cambodia appears to be indiscriminate in their bombings of Thai villages, but Thailand seems to select specific military targets.

 

Of course, we mere civilians can't verify whether or not the information we are hearing from either side is true, but I tend to believe the Thai version.