BANGKOK – The Royal Thai Air Force conducted air strikes on military targets outside the Cambodian city of Poipet on Thursday, escalating its response to ongoing border hostilities. Air Marshal Chakkrit Thammavichai, spokesman for the RTAF, stated the operation was a defensive and proportionate measure targeting an arms depot and logistics center used to store BM-21 multiple rocket launchers.

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The strikes, carried out by F-16 fighter jets around 11 a.m., followed intelligence confirming the movement of BM-21 rockets in and out of the area. Air Marshal Chakkrit emphasized that the site was not inhabited by civilians and that the objective was to degrade Cambodian offensive capabilities, which have repeatedly threatened Thai military positions and civilian areas. Footage of the attack showed secondary explosions, indicating the destruction of stored ordnance.

Thai Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit defended the operations across seven provinces as acts of self-defense, vowing to continue until Cambodia consistently ceases hostile actions. “If they wish to cease fire, then they should stop and withdraw the forces facing ours,” he stated, adding that Thailand has no intention of attacking beyond the border region.

Air force jets strike Poipet https://t.co/Si6fKuPWCE

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Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, commenting on reports of China preparing to send a special envoy to mediate, said he had not been directly approached. He reiterated Thailand’s defensive stance, asserting that any mediator should urge Cambodia to halt its attacks. The conflict has claimed the lives of 21 Thai soldiers as of Thursday.

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Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence condemned the strikes, calling on Thailand to cease “hostile activities” and withdraw from what it claims is Cambodian territory. It urged the international community to condemn Thailand’s actions. Poipet Municipality issued a separate denial, stating the city is a commercial hub with no military bases or weapons stockpiles, contradicting Thai military assertions.

-Thailand News (TN)