Thailand Bombs Cambodian Casino Hub
BANGKOK — Thai fighter jets struck a building in Poipet, Cambodia’s bustling casino town and major border crossing, on Thursday morning, as regional and international powers intensified pressure to halt renewed hostilities between the Southeast Asian neighbors.
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Cambodia’s interior ministry stated the attack damaged a warehouse and other property, injuring two civilians. Thai air force spokesman Air Marshal Jackkrit Thammavichai told reporters the target was a “logistics centre” used to store rockets. “These are facilities that have been used for military purposes,” he said.
The strike comes amid a resurgence of fighting this month that has claimed at least 21 lives in Thailand and 18 in Cambodia, with over 800,000 people displaced, according to officials. The conflict originates from a longstanding territorial dispute over the colonial-era demarcation of their 800-kilometre border and several ancient temple ruins along the frontier.
Thailand stated earlier this week that between 5,000 and 6,000 Thai nationals remain stranded in Poipet after Cambodia closed its land border crossings. Cambodia’s interior ministry called the closures a “necessary measure” to protect civilians, noting air travel remains an option for departures. At least four casinos in Cambodia have reportedly been damaged by Thai strikes in recent days.
Cambodia said Thailand’s military on Thursday bombed the casino town of Poipet, a major crossing between the two nations, as foreign p…https://t.co/zXn48UIEuO
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As combat continues, diplomatic efforts are accelerating. China announced it is sending its special envoy for Asian affairs on a “shuttle-diplomacy trip” to Cambodia and Thailand on Thursday to help “rebuild peace.” Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of a new ceasefire last week was denied by Bangkok.
Foreign ministers from the ASEAN regional bloc are scheduled to hold emergency talks in Malaysia on Monday. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated the meeting aims to present the facts and press for an immediate end to hostilities. “We are appealing to them to immediately stop this frontline offensive and if possible, an immediate ceasefire,” he said.
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European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also engaged, speaking with both countries’ foreign ministers on Wednesday and offering the bloc’s support for ceasefire monitoring using satellite imagery. “The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia must not be allowed to spiral further. That’s why the ceasefire needs to be immediately restored,” Kallas said.
-Thailand News (TN)
