Pictures courtesy of BBC

 

Cambodia is counting mounting human and economic costs from renewed fighting with Thailand, as hospitals treat severely wounded soldiers and civilians flee border areas. The second round of clashes has lasted longer and proved more destructive than the five-day conflict in July, with heavy casualties and widespread displacement.

 

The fighting resumed on 7 December along the 800km border, involving artillery exchanges and close-quarter battles over forested hilltops. Thai air strikes have hit targets inside Cambodia, which has limited air defences and no significant air force, while Cambodia has fired BM21 rockets into Thailand, killing one civilian and injuring others despite early evacuations.

 

At Mongkol Borei hospital, wounded Cambodian soldiers lie quietly as relatives try to comfort them. Anaesthetist Sar Chanraksmey described treating severe blast injuries, saying, “My heart aches. Please tell the world we just want peace.”

 

Cambodia does not publish its military death toll, but Thailand estimates Cambodian losses could be several hundred. Thailand says 21 of its soldiers have been killed, reflecting the imbalance between the two armed forces.

 

Thailand blames Cambodian troops for ambushing Thai engineers on 7 December, injuring two soldiers. Cambodia accuses Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of reigniting the conflict to bolster his prospects ahead of a general election scheduled for February.

 

Thai commanders say they will continue operations until Cambodia no longer poses a threat, rejecting ceasefire calls from Phnom Penh. They also dismissed President Trump’s appeal for a truce, arguing Cambodia cannot be trusted to honour one without suffering greater losses.

 

On 13 December, Thai F-16s destroyed a 20-metre section of a Chinese-built bridge over the Me Teuk river in Pursat province and struck a nearby eight-storey building near a casino, which Thailand said was a military command post. The bombing triggered the departure of Chinese nationals believed to be linked to scam compounds, an industry Thailand has made a core target of its campaign.

 

The conflict has halted $5bn in cross-border trade and displaced around 480,000 Cambodians. More than 700,000 Cambodian migrant workers have returned from Thailand, amid fears of hostility and uncertainty.

 

The BBC reported that Cambodia has appealed for international mediation and a return to the July ceasefire, while Thailand accuses it of playing the victim. With hardened public attitudes and an approaching Thai election, trust between the neighbours appears increasingly difficult to restore.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Renewed fighting since 7 December has caused heavy Cambodian casualties and mass displacement.

• Thailand has rejected ceasefire calls, insisting Cambodia must first be militarily weakened.

• Economic fallout includes halted border trade and large-scale migrant worker returns.

 

 

 Adapted  by  Asean Now from BBC 2025-12-20

 

And cambodia is the aggressive part ??

Getting more and more difficult to belive..

Cambodia needs to face facts, their military is not able to face Thailand's military.

Negotiate peace for Pete's sake.

Cambodia seems to have triggered this conflict. If Cambodia ceased fire, I'm sure that Thailand would respond.

 

Awful. 
 

There seems to be a lot of bravado in Thailand about their power, but if anything was to target a major city or tourism centre - it would devastate tourism and their main source of income. Cambodia is a dump with nothing going on. Thailand has more to lose. 

It appears that every large building Thailand hits is a military command post. As my good lady said to me Thais would never resort to propaganda.

It seems that there is a similar action as in Israel/ Gaza war... Thais see military command posts everywhere, and bombed everything, as they think they have the right. Hundreds of wounded and deads, but Thailand dare to say they only cease fire as the aggressor Cambodia stops. But there are only ( which is also far too many) 21 victims  in Thailand.. And Anutin is sure he will not stop this war as he stated yesterday: he will never give in and the army has the full support of the 'Government".  I am wondering what would happen if a touristic place is being attacked by a drone or a rocket..Koh Kut or  oil platform or so.. Thailand would declare full war to Cambodia and because they don't think tourism will be damaged and economy. Anutin claims sovereignty, but that is only for own land and not land that you claim to be yours.... First thing to do to stop this madness is  respect the border from 1907... 

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

“My heart aches. Please tell the world we just want peace.”

Okay! Now it´s time to cry to the world. Such spineless people. If you can´t stand the fight, don´t take on Goliath when you are dwarf! Show that you want peace then and stop break the border line and don´t dig down any more mines. Hopefully this will stand as a reminder to not bring in on when have nothing to show.

Some Posters earlier should watch the 'Deep Dive' video which can be found inside this BKK Post article. It's only 30 mnutes and a scholarly look at the development of this conflict during this year.

 

For me, it's clear, Cambodia is to blame. If Cambodia want to stop hostilities now, they have to offer a comprehensive ceasefire and withdraw their border forces to their normal locations. 

 

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3159670/thai-marines-repel-cambodian-forces-attempt-to-retake-trat-border-area

 

3 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

It seems that there is a similar action as in Israel/ Gaza war... Thais see military command posts everywhere, and bombed everything, as they think they have the right. Hundreds of wounded and deads, but Thailand dare to say they only cease fire as the aggressor Cambodia stops. But there are only ( which is also far too many) 21 victims  in Thailand.. And Anutin is sure he will not stop this war as he stated yesterday: he will never give in and the army has the full support of the 'Government".  I am wondering what would happen if a touristic place is being attacked by a drone or a rocket..Koh Kut or  oil platform or so.. Thailand would declare full war to Cambodia and because they don't think tourism will be damaged and economy. Anutin claims sovereignty, but that is only for own land and not land that you claim to be yours.... First thing to do to stop this madness is  respect the border from 1907... 

What a load of absolute rubbish - you either rarely visit Thailand, or are stuck somewhere between your room and bars?  Anutin has no control over the Army - he cannot tell them to stop even if he wanted to - this is not Kansas mate - it dont work that way here.

Thailand has been dealing with the Cambodian hit and runs for months and the Army has finally had enough and said so - they are going to take out any Cambodian military resources near the borders to stop them firing randomly into Thailand.

IMO Thailand should just invade and wipe out the Cambodian military that opposes them (most wont) and capture the Capital City - and then leave and let the Cambodian People decide who runs the place. Whoever takes control of Cambodia after the Hun Sen dictatorship is removed/killed by the People, can then work with Thailand to restore democracy (a version), and eventually ratify an Agreement on the borders.

Or Hun Sen can stop ordering his troops to attack and run, both in retaliation for Thailand closing down his gambling and call centres that brought him $billions, and also to distract from all the protests and complaints  against himself for years, and very much growing since he made his Son 'Dictator' in late 2023. 

Cambodia is a totalitarian State and the ruling class hates Thailand - they are not the good guys in this situation. The Cambodian people are OK overall, but they are being lied to about what is happening and who started it. 

 

11 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

What a load of absolute rubbish - you either rarely visit Thailand, or are stuck somewhere between your room and bars?  Anutin has no control over the Army - he cannot tell them to stop even if he wanted to - this is not Kansas mate - it dont work that way here.

Thailand has been dealing with the Cambodian hit and runs for months and the Army has finally had enough and said so - they are going to take out any Cambodian military resources near the borders to stop them firing randomly into Thailand.

IMO Thailand should just invade and wipe out the Cambodian military that opposes them (most wont) and capture the Capital City - and then leave and let the Cambodian People decide who runs the place. Whoever takes control of Cambodia after the Hun Sen dictatorship is removed/killed by the People, can then work with Thailand to restore democracy (a version), and eventually ratify an Agreement on the borders.

Or Hun Sen can stop ordering his troops to attack and run, both in retaliation for Thailand closing down his gambling and call centres that brought him $billions, and also to distract from all the protests and complaints  against himself for years, and very much growing since he made his Son 'Dictator' in late 2023. 

Cambodia is a totalitarian State and the ruling class hates Thailand - they are not the good guys in this situation. The Cambodian people are OK overall, but they are being lied to about what is happening and who started it. 

 

I think you are poorly informed.. In May a Thai soldier killed a Cambodian and that was the beginning. Besides that Thailand does not recognize the border as is became since 1907... It is not me who say that Anutin is in control of the army but Anutin himself.. On a different website you can read that. And Thaksin also said that he would let the army do as they like. I understand that because of one sided news Cambodia seems to be the bad one, but Thailand is in facto entering Cambodian soil as they don't recognize the border... The army is uncontrollable in Thailand and surely Thailand is a democracy, but with no power to the people. Probably same as Cambodia, because you will find out that with the new elections. we have nothing to do with if Cambodia is a dictatorship or not, Thailand has more than enough own problems and as Thailand does not want others to interfere in their country, Thailand has no right to interfere in other countries. But Thailand likes to control everybody and everyone, if possible everywhere... but that is not working. Open your eyes for the reality please. Recognize the border and there are no clashes needed and everybody can go on with their lives, but now more than a century, and every time they want to change the border and never happened, says enough to let it go now.. Make peace no war

1 hour ago, ikke1959 said:

I think you are poorly informed.. In May a Thai soldier killed a Cambodian and that was the beginning. Besides that Thailand does not recognize the border as is became since 1907... It is not me who say that Anutin is in control of the army but Anutin himself.. On a different website you can read that. And Thaksin also said that he would let the army do as they like. I understand that because of one sided news Cambodia seems to be the bad one, but Thailand is in facto entering Cambodian soil as they don't recognize the border... The army is uncontrollable in Thailand and surely Thailand is a democracy, but with no power to the people. Probably same as Cambodia, because you will find out that with the new elections. we have nothing to do with if Cambodia is a dictatorship or not, Thailand has more than enough own problems and as Thailand does not want others to interfere in their country, Thailand has no right to interfere in other countries. But Thailand likes to control everybody and everyone, if possible everywhere... but that is not working. Open your eyes for the reality please. Recognize the border and there are no clashes needed and everybody can go on with their lives, but now more than a century, and every time they want to change the border and never happened, says enough to let it go now.. Make peace no war

If you are living in Thailand I strongly advise you to leave - living in a place while having such a strong hatred of the country and the people is unhealthy.  

You are extremely uninformed - I suggest you stop reading the headlines and start reading the articles and gaining an in depth understanding of what has been going on since the British and French colonised SEAsia between them. 

Recognise the 1907 borders??  Thailand was forced to accept the French created Treaty Borders because it suited the French and Siam wanted to remain independent of both the French and British Empires - which they did. Why not use the border in 1800?  

 

UPDATE
F-16s Strike Casino Site in Cambodia’s Pursat

 

Pictures courtesy of Naewna

 

Thai military forces, supported by the Royal Thai Air Force, carried out air strikes on casino-linked sites in Cambodia’s Pursat province on December 20, causing heavy damage and prompting the evacuation of suspected scammer operations. The strikes targeted areas near the Thmor Da casino, where Thai authorities said military positions had been established close to the Trat border. Officials reported continued explosions and clashes following the operation.

 

The action formed part of an operation dubbed “Trat Suppresses the Adversary,” launched by the Chanthaburi–Trat Border Defence Forces. According to reports, two F-16 fighter jets were deployed at 11 a.m. and dropped six bombs over a 20-minute mission on targets in the Thmor Da casino area in Veal Veng district, Pursat province. The sites were described as being used both as casino premises and as Cambodian military strongholds, including the presence of 122 mm artillery.

 

Thai sources said the operation followed intelligence indicating that structures had encroached into Thai territory and that Cambodian forces were reinforcing personnel and heavy weapons near the border. The strikes reportedly resulted in the complete destruction of the targeted bases. Witnesses at the scene observed groups believed to be scammers hurriedly removing equipment and fleeing the area after the bombing.

 

The Royal Thai Air Force confirmed that the air operation was conducted to support ground forces and to deter what it described as ongoing military movements near Trat province. Naval Captain Thammanoon Wanna stated that Cambodian forces continued to bolster troops and weaponry around the Thmor Da casino area, signalling that hostilities had not ceased. He said air support was therefore requested to prevent potential threats to Thai civilians and troops. Separate reports later on December 20 said fighting continued in border areas of Trat province, with the sound of explosions and mortar fire heard after the air strikes. 

 

In another incident linked to the clashes, Cambodian commander General Chok Keng was reported injured when a drone dropped explosives on a tactical headquarters in the Ban Nong Ri, or Ban Sam Lang, area. He was subsequently transferred to a hospital in Phnom Penh for treatment.

 

Thai authorities indicated that border security operations remained active as the situation evolved. Monitoring of movements along the Trat–Cambodia frontier was continuing, with further coordination between ground units and air assets expected if tensions persisted.

 

Cambodian commander General Chok Keng
 

Key Takeaways

 

• Thai F-16 jets struck casino-linked sites near the Thmor Da area on December 20, 2568.

• The operation involved two aircraft dropping six bombs during a 20-minute mission.

• Cambodian commander General Chok Keng was injured in a separate drone attack the same day.

 

 Adapted  by  Asean Now from  Naewna 2025-12-20

 

36 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

If you are living in Thailand I strongly advise you to leave - living in a place while having such a strong hatred of the country and the people is unhealthy.  

You are extremely uninformed - I suggest you stop reading the headlines and start reading the articles and gaining an in depth understanding of what has been going on since the British and French colonised SEAsia between them. 

Recognise the 1907 borders??  Thailand was forced to accept the French created Treaty Borders because it suited the French and Siam wanted to remain independent of both the French and British Empires - which they did. Why not use the border in 1800?  

 

Or the border of the middle ages when the whole country was Khmer.

Anyway I don't hatevthe country at all. I just put things in some perspective. 

9 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Cambodia does not publish its military death toll, but Thailand estimates Cambodian losses could be several hundred. Thailand says 21 of its soldiers have been killed, reflecting the imbalance between the two armed forces.

I wonder if they get their estimates the same way TAT does? 

Basically this report says they really do not know how many people died or injured in Cambodia and only base this on suspicions only. 

2 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

What a load of absolute rubbish - you either rarely visit Thailand, or are stuck somewhere between your room and bars?  Anutin has no control over the Army - he cannot tell them to stop even if he wanted to - this is not Kansas mate - it dont work that way here.

Thailand has been dealing with the Cambodian hit and runs for months and the Army has finally had enough and said so - they are going to take out any Cambodian military resources near the borders to stop them firing randomly into Thailand.

IMO Thailand should just invade and wipe out the Cambodian military that opposes them (most wont) and capture the Capital City - and then leave and let the Cambodian People decide who runs the place. Whoever takes control of Cambodia after the Hun Sen dictatorship is removed/killed by the People, can then work with Thailand to restore democracy (a version), and eventually ratify an Agreement on the borders.

Or Hun Sen can stop ordering his troops to attack and run, both in retaliation for Thailand closing down his gambling and call centres that brought him $billions, and also to distract from all the protests and complaints  against himself for years, and very much growing since he made his Son 'Dictator' in late 2023. 

Cambodia is a totalitarian State and the ruling class hates Thailand - they are not the good guys in this situation. The Cambodian people are OK overall, but they are being lied to about what is happening and who started it. 

 

 

Sounds like a very fair assessment.

 

Scambodia knows what it needs to do to end the conflict  - as described above.

3 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

Sounds like a very fair assessment.

 

Scambodia knows what it needs to do to end the conflict  - as described above.

Please explaiin why Cambodia should give in..in fact it is their territory

1 hour ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

If you are living in Thailand I strongly advise you to leave - living in a place while having such a strong hatred of the country and the people is unhealthy.  

You are extremely uninformed - I suggest you stop reading the headlines and start reading the articles and gaining an in depth understanding of what has been going on since the British and French colonised SEAsia between them. 

Recognise the 1907 borders??  Thailand was forced to accept the French created Treaty Borders because it suited the French and Siam wanted to remain independent of both the French and British Empires - which they did. Why not use the border in 1800?  

 

I do not know where you got your map from (a MAGA store?) but it is wrong.  The map approximates (stress again, approximates) the Khmer Empire around 1200.  The Siamese, Thais, and Tais (sic) have never controlled all of Cambodia (present day or any time over the past 2,000-odd years), or any part of Viet Nam.  Central Viet Nam at the time of your "map" was under the influence of the Muslim Cham Empire (which extended into southern Laos, and possible as far as far north eastern Thailand (although the archaeological evidence is questionable)); all of southern Viet Nam (south of about Sai Gon (Ho Chi Minh City to you young people) was part of the Khmer Empire know as (and still referred to in present day Cambodia as) Khmer Krom, with its last capital "city" known as Prey Nokor, more widely know by its present day name, Ho Chi Minh City.

2 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Please explaiin why Cambodia should give in..in fact it is their territory

 

 

Don't be stupid

This is a bit of phoney war isn’t it ?

 

If Cambodia threaten any tourist city it’s game over for Thailand. Their economy would be crippled.

 

This is nonsensical saber rattling, and pointless too from both sides. Sad for those suffering 

Bally - yes the Soldiers and Citizens involved are just ordinary People. It's the gung ho Commanders and Politicians, who are not at risk so much. The burden of the destruction of infrastructure and homes will be borne mainly by the humble Citizens.

 

It's a horrible mess and it's up to Cambodia to relent and motivate a peace process. 

 

Attacking Thailand's tourist spots would lead to Thailand exercising it's vast aerial supremacy giving horrible repurcussions in Cambodia's main centres. I'm hoping Cambodia is not stupid enough to escalate this War any further !

1 hour ago, Bally Jaggers said:

This is a bit of phoney war isn’t it ?

 

If Cambodia threaten any tourist city it’s game over for Thailand. Their economy would be crippled.

 

This is nonsensical saber rattling, and pointless too from both sides. Sad for those suffering 

 

 

Cambodia would be even more stupid, than they are already, if anything happens to any major location in Thailand. Thailand could wipe out Phnom Penh in a day.

 

This is David vs Goliath.

 

@TorquayFan sums it up quite nicely. 

15 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Please explaiin why Cambodia should give in..in fact it is their territory

 

Because the enemy is more powerful, and they aren't backing down, this type of warfare has been going on for thousands of years. Do we really need to go into what happens if they don't give in? 

20 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

My heart aches. Please tell the world we just want peace.

 

This should be told to all countries araound the globe, no military pease and freedom around the world.    🙂

4 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

This should be told to all countries araound the globe, no military pease and freedom around the world.    🙂

 

Utopia is a myth, and if it did exist, someone would attack it and destroy it. Best plan is to be the biggest baddest Motherf'er on the block, and wield the biggest stick.

21 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

This should be told to all countries araound the globe, no military pease and freedom around the world.    🙂

Did we go off to la-la-land by any chance?

3 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

 

Because the enemy is more powerful, and they aren't backing down, this type of warfare has been going on for thousands of years. Do we really need to go into what happens if they don't give in? 

Tgan the same question, why does Thailand not give in. As you write the enemy is more powerful. And Thailand has more to loose than Cambodia

6 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Tgan the same question, why does Thailand not give in. As you write the enemy is more powerful. And Thailand has more to loose than Cambodia

 

I know it's only 11am, but have you been sitting on a bar stool all night? It's time to go home.

Thailand is bullying Cambodia because of its own internal problems. Those internal problems can't be discussed here but anybody that knows anything about Thailand knows what's going on. 

 

The Cambodians aren't going to be bullied, other people have tried and failed. Vietnam and China aren't going to let Thailand go to far either.

 

Expect that if the shooting doesn't stop very soon, that the US will also take action. Certain people in the US have a huge interest in Thailand and their influence reaches high.

3 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

 

I know it's only 11am, but have you been sitting on a bar stool all night? It's time to go home.

yeah you can think that, as you don't know to respond.... I am neutral but it seems that many people are poorly informed and only see and hear the Thai news, which is of course colored and maybe they still living too long in Thailand to have some critical thinking. By the way. I never go to a bar, I woke up at 6 am and after a small breakfast I started to work.... I am the foreigner that need a bar and drinks and a bargirl