Cambodian troops have reinforced their forces and launched heavy fire along the border at Ta Kwai Temple and Hill 350, aiming to retake territory held by Thailand. Several Thai soldiers were reported injured. BM-21 rockets landed in Takian Subdistrict, Kap Choeng District. Damage assessment is currently underway.
On 16 Dec 2025 GMT+7, reporters covering the border situation in Surin Province reported that from morning until afternoon, artillery fire exchanges continued intermittently. Cambodian forces attempted multiple BM-21 rocket attacks along the border after reinforcing their troops and heavy weapons, seeking to reclaim all areas taken by Thai forces—especially Ta Kwai Temple and Hill 350, the high ground Cambodia is most eager to retake, as well as Chong Krang and Ta Muen Thom temples in Phanom Dong Rak District, Surin Province.
Recently, Thai soldiers were seriously injured by shrapnel wounds to the head and were urgently transported for medical treatment and life-saving measures. Several other soldiers were also injured near the border at Ta Kwai Temple and Hill 350 after Cambodian troops launched heavy artillery barrages and reinforced their numbers since last night.
At Kana Temple, Chong Plod Tang, Chong Rayi, and the Chong Chom border in Kap Choeng District, there were also heavy intermittent exchanges of fire, though not as intense as at the border near Phanom Dong Rak. Community leaders, village defense volunteers, and volunteers monitoring the area had to remain in bomb shelters all day for safety. Authorities have strictly prohibited residents from returning to the border area. Multiple BM-21 rockets also landed in Sakon and Ban Mai Dong Yen villages in Takian Subdistrict, Kap Choeng District, with damage assessments ongoing. The intense situation continues to be closely monitored.
Meanwhile, humanitarian aid continues to flow steadily to displaced persons at various temporary shelters in the rear areas.