Fresh bombings by Thai fighter jets have intensified the ongoing conflict along the Cambodia-Thailand border, prompting mass evacuations and raising concerns over civilian safety. On December 15, Thai F-16 jets dropped two bombs near the Srei Snam district border in Siem Reap province, according to Cambodia’s National Defence Ministry, sparking a new wave of residents fleeing the area. Local authorities reported that the bombs appeared to target the Ou Chik Bridge, though it remains unclear whether fragments affected Siem Reap territory. Technical teams have been deployed to assess the situation, while authorities stand ready to assist evacuees.
Oddar Meanchey provincial officials confirmed hearing the explosions but said the full extent of the impact remains under investigation. No injuries or deaths were immediately reported from this latest bombing, though officials emphasized preparedness to support civilians if conditions worsen. The attacks follow a series of clashes that began on December 7, escalating tensions along the border and drawing international attention to the humanitarian consequences.
The Interior Ministry of Cambodia reported that the civilian death toll from the conflict has now risen to 17, with at least 77 injured. Two civilians were killed at a safety shelter in Koh Kong province, while others were injured in Banteay Meanchey and Oddar Meanchey provinces. The ministry accused Thai forces of unprovoked aggression against Cambodia’s sovereign territory, highlighting continuous violations of ceasefire agreements.
The fighting has caused large-scale displacement, with 131,672 families — roughly 438,953 people — forced to leave their homes across seven provinces. Women and children constitute a significant portion of those affected, with 225,572 women and 134,602 children among the displaced. Banteay Meanchey province recorded the highest number of evacuees, followed by Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Battambang, Pursat, Koh Kong, and Kampot.
Civilian infrastructure has suffered extensive damage, including homes, schools, hospitals, pagodas, customs offices, bridges, and agricultural facilities. Essential services such as healthcare, education, and administration have been nearly suspended in the affected areas. On the Thai side, reports indicate that 19 Thai soldiers have been killed in the border clashes, including two more casualties following heavy fighting over disputed territory.
As both countries continue military operations, Cambodian authorities are calling for international attention to the human cost of the conflict and urging measures to protect civilians amid the escalating violence.
