BANGKOK – Cambodian drones have been observed near Thai oil installations in the Gulf of Thailand, marking a concerning expansion of hostilities as fierce border clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces enter their twelfth consecutive day.

Thai Military Destroys Cambodian Rocket Arsenal, Intensifies Naval Blockade

Lieutenant Priyada Buasomboon, assistant spokesperson for the Royal Thai Navy, confirmed the intrusions today. She stated that security units at the Erawan oil rig reported sighting Cambodian drones on December 9, with subsequent sightings within a 10-kilometer radius of the Pailin, Satun, and Funan oil rigs. In response, the Thai navy has held emergency discussions with oil rig operators, including PTT Exploration Company, to bolster anti-drone measures and formulate contingency plans for potential attacks.

Lieutenant Priyada emphasized the navy’s commitment to maintaining security in Thai territorial waters and protecting critical energy infrastructure.

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— ThairathTV (@Thairath_TV) December 18, 2025

The drone sightings coincide with sustained ground fighting along the entire border. Exchanges of artillery and small arms fire were reported today in the provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram, Surin, Sa Kaeo, and Trat. In Sa Kaeo province, Royal Thai Air Force F-16 fighter jets conducted air strikes against Cambodian military installations and alleged scam centers in the Poipet border area. This aerial response followed Cambodian bombardment of the villages of Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaew with BM-21 rockets and artillery shells.

Thai Marines Reclaim Border Zone in Trat After Sustained Clashes

The conflict’s intensity has prompted civilian safety measures. The Office of Primary Education in Trat province has ordered the suspension of classes for five days, effective immediately. Meanwhile, on the ground, Cambodian forces attempted to retake the recently lost territory of Ban Sam Lung in Trat’s Cham Rak sub-district but were reportedly repelled by Thai troops.

-Thailand News (TN)