The Air Force spokesperson reiterated that the air operation outside Poi Pet city targeted military objectives after confirming that Cambodia used the area as a BM-21 ammunition depot employed to bombard Thai military personnel and civilians. It was affirmed that no civilians reside in that area.
On 18 Dec 2025 GMT+7 at 16:00, at the Joint Border Situation Press Center for Thailand-Cambodia, the Army Radio and Television reported updates on the Thailand-Cambodia border situation.
Air Force spokesperson Air Marshal Jakkrit Thamvichai stated that the government has appointed the Air Force as the lead agency responsible for countering unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, working alongside the Civil Aviation Authority to establish measures against such threats. Initial steps include drone flight bans in border areas. Security agencies have taken proactive and reactive measures to counter drone threats. The Army, Navy, and Air Force have prepared mechanisms for defense against drone threats, including damage prevention systems for critical sites and weapons to destroy drones intruding into security zones. This cooperation aims to mitigate the impact of drone attacks targeting key Thai areas.
Air Marshal Jakkrit Thamvichai also explained the military operation against targets in the Poi Pet area, saying that reports of the Thai military striking targets outside Poi Pet city involve an attack on an ammunition depot, specifically BM-21 rockets. Cambodia has used these weapons not only against military forces but also against Thai civilians. This incident occurred yesterday evening when over 100 BM-21 rockets were fired at civilian targets in Thailand.
The operation took place earlier this morning, targeting a logistics center or supply depot used as a BM-21 rocket storage site. Prior to the strike, the Thai military gathered intelligence with its capabilities to confirm clearly that the target was military. Observations of activities around the facility showed vehicles loading BM-21 rockets, reinforcing confidence that the site was a valuable military target. Importantly, area inspections confirmed that no civilians live nearby, leading to the decision to strike the BM-21 storage facility this morning.
The Air Force spokesperson also shared images of the operation showing multiple explosions within the target area, resulting from the detonation of BM-21 rockets stored in the depot, and stated: "I emphasize that the Thai military’s operation focused solely on military targets. We conducted the operation based on protecting sovereignty and under humanitarian principles. We struck targets only as necessary, proportionate to the threat, and clearly distinguished between military and civilian targets."
, Lieutenant Commander Napatsakorn Tipsor, the Navy assistant spokesperson, reported on drone disturbances at an oil rig in the Gulf of Thailand. The incident occurred on 9 Dec 2025, when the Navy received information about an unidentified aerial vehicle. The Navy’s Second Fleet dispatched patrol aircraft to inspect the area. Several other oil rigs also reported similar incidents. The Second Fleet continues to deploy warships and patrol aircraft to monitor the area, confirming ongoing safety measures to protect the nation’s energy infrastructure.
Army Deputy Spokesperson Colonel Richcha Suksuwan disclosed updates on fighting at Hill 350, a strategically important position. The area has been under Cambodian control for a long time, with strong defensive lines and military fortifications, making Thai efforts to retake the area difficult.
Assessment shows that Cambodia employs heavy weapons tactics, including BM-21 rockets, artillery, and long-range support weapons, followed by drone bomb attacks. This continuous threat challenges Thai forces’ defense and advance.
The Army confirmed that morale remains high among troops, who are carefully preparing to strengthen security and proceed with the planned operation to reclaim territory despite the difficulty. Regarding terrain and enemy fortifications, including trenches or tunnels, the Deputy Army Spokesperson said this intelligence cannot be disclosed in detail but confirmed the area’s critical strategic importance.
Meanwhile, in Poi Pet, another contested area, the Thai military has used air power to support attacks on military targets to gain tactical advantage. They stressed that all operations are carefully considered, target only military objectives, and strictly avoid civilian harm. The Thai military affirms adherence to international law and humanitarian principles while fully defending national sovereignty.
Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri, Ministry of Defense spokesperson, reported on the latest Defense Council meeting. He stated that since yesterday, Cambodia has moved troops and equipment into the Poi Pet area, and this morning has continuously used heavy weapons to fire into Thai sovereign territory along the border. At 11:15, Thai forces intercepted Cambodian troop gatherings inside a warehouse outside Poi Pet city, a military target, to prevent threats and reassure the public. The Ministry of Defense confirmed that Thai military operations are conducted carefully, proportionately, and prioritize protecting national sovereignty alongside civilian safety.
Rear Admiral Jumphon Nakbua, spokesperson for the Center for Maritime National Interest Protection (CMNIP), explained measures controlling oil and weapon imports via Thai sea routes to Cambodia. After CMNIP was officially assigned maritime security oversight, it issued warnings to transport operators concerned about the impact of Thailand-Cambodia tensions at sea. Thai cargo and fishing vessels are urged to avoid risky areas to prevent harm from weapons that cannot distinguish military from civilian targets, as well as from drone use at sea.
Additionally, operators are warned to exercise extra caution near conflict zones due to possible interference with navigation signals, which may cause maritime accidents. CMNIP advises operators to closely monitor situation updates and intelligence and report any illicit oil or weapon transport to authorities immediately. Also, if drones are detected from vessels in sensitive security areas, please notify CMNIP promptly for security measures.