Thai Army says 82 Cambodian positions and 175 drones destroyed on day 8 of fighting

The Royal Thai Army has announced that eight days of military operations along the Thai–Cambodian border have led to the destruction of 82 Cambodian positions and 175 drones.

The operations are part of an ongoing response to what Thai authorities describe as repeated violations of sovereignty and sustained attacks on civilian areas by Cambodian forces.

At a press briefing held by the Joint Press Centre on the Thailand–Cambodia Border Situation at 10am on 15 December, 2025, Army Deputy Spokesperson Colonel Ritcha Suksuwanont stated that there is no indication Cambodia intends to halt what he described as deliberate tactics targeting civilian populations.

He noted that Cambodian attacks intensified over the past 48 hours, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities. The district of Kantharalak in Si Sa Ket has issued a public advisory, urging residents to avoid entering areas affected by conflict. Only designated village security personnel are permitted to access these zones, with public safety being the primary concern.

Colonel Ritcha warned that intelligence assessments suggest the Cambodian strategy remains focused on generating fear among Thai civilians. He called on the public—particularly those in frontline areas like Kantharalak—to strictly adhere to official instructions and avoid unsafe areas.

On the broader military situation, Ritcha confirmed that areas under the responsibility of the First and Second Army Areas remain under Thai control. However, Cambodian forces reportedly continue launching attacks, particularly on already secured locations.

According to the army spokesperson, Cambodia has been using BM-21 multiple rocket launchers and “kamikaze drones” to strike both forward operating positions and zones where Thailand is actively reasserting its border claims.

In response, Thai forces have undertaken extensive operations to neutralise Cambodian capabilities. Since the start of the conflict, Ritcha said, Thai forces have destroyed 82 Cambodian military positions, including strongpoints, command posts and weapons sites.

These include the elimination of one BM-21 rocket system, 12 tanks, 10 armoured vehicles, four air-defence systems, seven artillery and mortar units, five anti-drone facilities, five communication towers, and a total of 175 drones.

The army’s preliminary estimate places Cambodian personnel losses at over 505, although independent confirmation of these figures has not yet been provided.

Colonel Ritcha reiterated that the Royal Thai Army's operations are defensive in nature, aimed at reclaiming territory it asserts was encroached upon by Cambodian forces and removing military threats to Thai troops and civilians.

He emphasised that the strategic goal remains the re-establishment of Thailand’s border in contested areas and the long-term neutralisation of capabilities used in what Thai authorities call deliberate assaults on its sovereignty.

No official statement has been issued by Cambodian authorities regarding the Thai military’s claims as of Monday morning.