BANGKOK – The death toll among Thai soldiers has risen to 19 following intense border clashes with Cambodian forces. Two soldiers were killed in fierce fighting yesterday at Mount 350, a strategic hilltop position near the Prasart Ta Kwai ancient temple ruins in Surin province’s Phanom Dong Rak district.

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The fallen soldiers were identified as Sergeant Major Samroeng Klangprakome and Private Panuphat Saosa, both serving with the 3rd Infantry Battalion of the 23rd Infantry Regiment. Their deaths mark the latest casualties since renewed armed conflict erupted on December 7. Thai troops have not yet been able to retrieve the bodies of the two soldiers from the battlefield.

According to the Second Army Region, Thai forces have regained full control of the Prasart Ta Kwai temple area but continue to face challenges in capturing Mount 350 due to terrain that favors Cambodian defenders. Cambodian troops persist in attacking the Ta Kwai vicinity with BM-21 rockets and explosive-laden drones, prompting the Thai army to issue safety warnings to defense volunteers against handling any drone debris.

Thai-Cambodia border clashes kill 19 Thai soldiers, 19 civilians and displace over 270,000 https://t.co/3uaGKpwNVB

— Dimsumdaily Hong Kong (@dimsumdaily_hk) December 17, 2025

In a significant escalation, Thai tank units shelled a casino building in Chong Sai Taku, Cambodia, located opposite Thailand’s Ban Kruat district in Buri Ram province. The building was suspected of being used by Cambodian forces to store drones and ammunition. The strike resulted in a large column of smoke and flames visible from the Thai side of the border.

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The conflict shows no signs of abating, with both sides sustaining losses and engaging in sustained artillery and drone exchanges across contested border areas.

-Thailand News (TN)