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Thai army launches ‘targeted operation’ against Cambodia, citing threat to national security and civilian safety

Thai authorities have also issued a warning of anticipated severe retaliation, including the potential use of BM-21 rocket systems by Cambodia to target civilian areas.

The Nation

The Nation

         

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The operation's objectives were to destroy Cambodian military assets, combat support structures, and strategic supply routes, with specific actions including the destruction of a scam network base and anti-drone pylons. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE NATION

December 9, 2025

BANGKOK – Thailand’s 2nd Army Region confirms strategic strikes on Cambodian military assets and supply routes; warns of potential BM-21 rocket retaliation targeting civilian areas tonight.

The Second Army Area Command (2nd Army Region) has confirmed it has initiated a major military operation in response to the Cambodian military, following intelligence confirming the deployment of forces and heavy equipment that pose a direct threat to Thailand’s border security.

The operation, described as a retaliatory action against threatening Cambodian activity, aims to penetrate and destroy the opposing side’s combat support structures and strategic supply routes.

The 2nd Army Region stressed that all missions were conducted in strict adherence to international law and the principles of self-defence under the UN Charter.

“Today, 8 December 2025, the 2nd Army Region retaliated against Cambodian military actions that posed a direct threat to Thailand’s security, as well as the safety of the civilian population residing in the border areas,” a spokesperson stated.

The military justified the operation by stating that tactical intelligence indicated the Cambodian side was moving heavy equipment, deploying combat forces, and preparing for supporting fire—actions that “threaten the stability and safety of the people in the border areas.”

The objective of the operation is to deter and destroy Cambodia’s military capability to a level necessary to preserve Thai state security and public safety, strictly adhering to the principles of Necessity and Proportionality.

Targets were limited to military infrastructure, weapons depots, command centres, and strategic support routes.

The 2nd Army Region confirmed the following specific operational actions taken within the prescribed Line of Operation:

  • Destruction of a deserted building used as a scam network base in the Chong Arn Ma area, Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province.
  • Destruction of Anti-Drone pylons in the Preah Vihear and Huay Ta Maria areas, Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province.
  • Clearance of a cashew plantation encroaching on the Line of Operation near Chong Ra Yi, east of Chong Chom.
  • Seizure of Prasat Khna in Kap Choeng District, Surin Province.
  • Destruction of the logistics cable car supplying Hill 350 at Ta Kwai Temple (Prasat Ta Kwai).
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