Summary of the Thailand-Cambodia border situation today (16 Dec 2025): clashes occurred in multiple areas; Thailand regained 100% control of Chong An Ma; Trat province has lifted its curfew and increased maritime transport security measures to tighten control over sea transport.
Updates on the renewed Thailand-Cambodia border clashes today (16 Dec 2025) show continuous fighting in several locations. The latest data from the Joint Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation News Center at 16:00 reveals the ongoing situation. Thairath Online Collected here are key frontline developments and significant events as follows.
The 2nd Army Region reported a summary of the Thailand-Cambodia border situation on 16 December 2025, latest as of 11:00.
Chong Bok area : The Cambodian side has intensified fortifying their positions, shifting forces into full defensive mode with a clear aim to pin down Thai forces and delay their advance as long as possible.
Chong An Ma area : The Cambodian forces are facing severe command and control issues, with pressure mounting to the point they are likely to withdraw to a secondary defensive line, otherwise risking complete encirclement. As of 18:00, reports confirm Thai troops have fully retaken Chong An Ma, raising the Thai national flag over sovereign territory.
Sattahom – Don Trawl – Sam Tae area : Cambodian forces employed "shoot-and-scoot" artillery tactics to reduce risk from Thai counterfire, reflecting efforts to survive amid Thai fire superiority.
Huai Tamaria area : Cambodian troops have restricted movements and strictly concealed personnel and equipment to avoid detection and destruction by Thai firepower.
Phu Ma Kuea area : This key observation post has been continuously targeted by Cambodian forces to limit Thai surveillance and targeting capabilities.
Chong Chom – Chong Rayi – Plod Tang areas: Cambodian supply routes have been significantly cut off, putting rear areas at risk—a critical factor threatening frontline force sustainability.
Chong Khana area: Cambodian forces attempted to concentrate BM-21 multiple rocket launchers to disrupt Thai operations, but this approach carries high risk of detection and destruction by Thai forces.
Prasat Takwai – Hill 350 area: Cambodian forces appear to be adopting a delaying combat strategy using fortified positions and ambush tactics to fix Thai forces and buy time.
Chong Krang area: Cambodian artillery fire was used defensively on request to hinder Thai advances. During recent fighting, Thai forces suffered casualties.
Prasat Ta Muen area: Cambodian forces have clearly lost combat capability due to shortages of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and armored vehicles, suggesting they may withdraw or choose to make a final stand to preserve unit honor.
Meanwhile, at 16:00 at the Joint Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation News Center, Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence, provided the following situation update:
- At 06:47, Cambodian forces launched attacks into Thai sovereign territory along the border, forcing Thai forces to defend themselves.
- At 07:00, Cambodia launched BM-21 rocket barrages at Hill 677, prompting Thai counterfire for self-defense.
- At 11:00, Cambodian forces continued heavy BM-21 and heavy weapon fire on Hill 350, requiring Thai forces to respond defensively.
- At 12:00, heavy BM-21 rocket fire targeted Prasat Takwai, leading to Thai counterattacks for protection.
These events led the National Security Council (NSC) to assign the Marine National Coordinating Center (MNCC) to oversee integrated maritime area control, collaborating with all relevant agencies, including alerting Thai vessels entering risky zones and coordinating with the Marine Department, focusing primarily on commercial cargo vessels. The council also mandated strict controls on maritime oil and military supplies transport for Thai-flagged commercial ships.
Meanwhile, the curfew order announced on 14 December 2025 for five districts in Trat province has been lifted as the situation is now deemed controllable. Rear Admiral Apichat Supprasert, Commander of the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defense Command, issued the cancellation order.
Tourism statistics for December 2025 show a 16% drop in foreign visitors and a 3.5% decrease in Thai tourists, partly due to travel warnings issued by some countries about the border situation, causing travelers to delay or avoid trips, and increased hotel booking cancellations. Air travel continues normally, though some flight times have been adjusted to align with curfew measures.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirmed that once the situation normalizes, it will rapidly promote awareness campaigns, stimulate tourism, and implement relief measures to support and prepare operators promptly.
Later, at 19:00,the 1st Army Regionsummarized the Thailand-Cambodia border situation in Sa Kaeo province as follows:
1. Ban Khlong Paeng, Ta Phraya district Thai forces employed strategic use of supporting fire weapons to control the area, while Cambodian forces continuously countered with BM-21 rockets, artillery, and grenade launchers.
2. Ban Nong Ya Kaeo, Khok Sung district Thai forces are reclaiming territory along claimed lines and responding to Cambodian fire, which continues to include BM-21 rockets, artillery, and grenade launchers.
3. Ban Nong Jan area, Khok Sung district Thai forces use strategic supporting fire to control the area, with Cambodian forces persistently countering with BM-21 rockets, artillery, and grenade launchers.
Regarding preparations to repatriate Thai nationals from Poipet, Cambodia, via the permanent border crossing at Ban Khlong Luek, Aranyaprathet district, Thai authorities have for the sixth consecutive day refused to allow their return.
Sources: Joint Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation News Center, 1st Army Region