• Thai forces have bombed the casino hub of Poipet, Cambodia, escalating a border clash.
• The fighting has resulted in at least 21 deaths in Thailand and 17 in Cambodia.
• Approximately 800,000 people have been displaced as a result of the conflict.
• International diplomatic efforts are underway to restore a ceasefire.
• Both nations have closed border crossings, stranding thousands of people.

Cambodia's defence ministry has reported that Thailand bombed the casino town of Poipet, an important land crossing, claiming Thai forces “dropped two bombs” at around 11 am on Thursday. The area is a bustling hub for Thai gamblers, and at least four casinos have reportedly sustained damages due to the strikes, escalating ongoing tensions between the two nations, according to Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, Channel News Asia, and BBC.

This latest round of fighting has led to significant casualties, with at least 21 dead in Thailand and 17 in Cambodia, as reported by multiple sources. Around 800,000 people have been displaced due to the ongoing confrontations, which have roots in a territorial dispute over colonial-era borders and ancient temple ruins, according to Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, Channel News Asia, and BBC.

Compounding the situation, both governments have closed the border crossings, leaving between 5,000 and 6,000 Thai nationals stranded in Poipet. Cambodia's interior ministry has described these border closures as "necessary" to protect civilians, while air travel remains an option for those needing to leave the area, as noted by Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, Channel News Asia, and BBC.

Past conflicts between the two countries have seen periods of intense violence, prompting interventions from international players. U.S. President Donald Trump has previously claimed to have brokered ceasefires, though recent assertions of a new truce have been firmly denied by Bangkok. Diplomats, including Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and EU officials, are urging for immediate ceasefire negotiations amid the ongoing military actions, aiming to prevent further escalation, as conveyed by Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, Channel News Asia, and BBC.