SURIN – Sustained fighting erupted along the Thai-Cambodian border in Surin province on Monday, marked by Cambodian rocket fire targeting strategic high ground. According to informed border sources, the attack commenced around 6:06 a.m., with rockets fired from BM-21 launchers exploding near the historic Ta Kwai temple ruins and Hill 350. Thai forces immediately returned fire, and exchanges of gunfire were expected to persist throughout the day.

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The assault appears part of a continued Cambodian effort to reclaim the tactically advantageous positions of Ta Kwai temple and Hill 350. Monday’s hostilities followed heavy rocket barrages on Sunday afternoon and evening, which struck homes, temples, and farmland in tambon Bak Dai of Phanom Dong Rak district. Thai artillery responded with sustained fire until the clashes subsided around 10 p.m.

In a significant development, the Army Military Force Facebook page reported around noon on Monday that Thai forces had successfully retaken Ta Kwai temple and raised the Thai national flag over the area.

Thai flag planted. The Thai army has released images showing Thai soldiers advancing to the disputed Ta Kwai Temple and planting the Thai national flag, securing control of the area.#Thailand #ThailandCambodia#TaKwaiTemple #ไทยกัมพูชา #ปราสาทตาควาย pic.twitter.com/CZFow3x29r

— Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) December 15, 2025

Amid the ongoing conflict, local officials, soldiers, and police delivered essential food and medical supplies to community leaders in tambon Bak Dai. Authorities have placed Phanom Dong Rak district under martial law, instructing village leaders to tighten security, prevent theft, and exercise caution in communications with the media, especially regarding troop deployments. Residents remain barred from returning to their homes until further notice.

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Concerns of a further escalation are mounting with reports that Cambodia has reinforced its positions with an additional 300 soldiers, indicating the potential for intensified clashes in the coming days.

-Thailand News (TN)