Cambodia's Ministry of Defense announced that on 18/12, the Royal Thai Air Force launched multiple airstrikes on targets within Cambodian territory, threatening civilian structures and lives. The ministry specifically accused Thai F-16 fighter jets of dropping four bombs on Serei Saophoan city, the capital of Banteay Meanchey province, after flying over 60 km deep into Cambodian airspace on the afternoon of 18/12. This incident marks the first time Serei Saophoan city has been bombed by Thai F-16s.
Earlier on the same day, Thai F-16s reportedly dropped two bombs on Phsar Kandal commune, located east of Poipet city, causing residents to panic and flee. Cambodia has not yet released information on damages or casualties from these bombing incidents. Previously, Cambodia had also accused Thai fighter jets of striking targets in Siem Reap, about 70 km from the border.
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Location of Poipet and Serei Saophoan cities in Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia. *Graphic: Cambodianess*
In response, Lieutenant General Jakkrit Thamwichai, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Air Force, stated that their forces attacked a Cambodian "military facility storing weapons, ammunition, explosives, and BM-21 rockets" in the outskirts of Poipet city. General Thamwichai did not mention Serei Saophoan city in his statement. He affirmed that the Thai military conducted thorough reconnaissance operations to precisely identify targets and verify the absence of civilians before carrying out the strikes.
The conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, which began on 7/12, has now entered its 13th day. Thailand has increasingly used F-16 fighter jets for ground attacks, a move Cambodia condemns as a territorial violation and the use of "disproportionate" weaponry. The Cambodian military lacks fighter jets or air defense systems capable of countering F-16s.
Clashes between the two nations have resulted in at least 39 deaths as of 16/12, including 21 Thai soldiers, one Thai civilian, and 18 Cambodian civilians, according to reports from the Thai military and Cambodia's Ministry of Interior. Hundreds of thousands of civilians on both sides of the border have been forced to evacuate. Thailand also reported 5,000-6,000 of its citizens stranded in Poipet city following Cambodia's decision to close border crossings. Cambodia's Ministry of Interior explained the closures were necessary to minimize risks to civilians during the fighting, suggesting those wishing to leave could do so by air.
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Thai F-16 fighter jet participating in Cope Tiger 2025 exercise on 27/3. *Photo: Royal Thai Air Force*
US President Donald Trump has telephoned leaders of both countries, urging an end to the conflict, but fighting has persisted. A special envoy for Asia from China's Foreign Ministry traveled to Cambodia and Thailand on 18/12 to mediate between the two nations, though negotiation results remain undisclosed.
Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, Nation Thailand, Khmer Times)
