Thai warplanes attacked a scam center in the Cambodian border town of OSmach on December 8, 2025, killing one security guard and injuring two others. The attack was part of a decades-old border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. Thailand's military claimed the operation was aimed at dismantling the scam industry, which has been a significant source of revenue for organized crime groups in the region.
According to Pheap Sreymean, a 20-year-old Cambodian who worked at the scam center, the foreign workers confined to the compound were not allowed to leave when the bombs fell. Sreymean, who delivered food to the workers, witnessed the aftermath of the attack and described seeing a security guard dead on the ground with pieces of shrapnel in his chest. The workers, all foreigners, were confined to their desks and dorms, and the rules remained the same even after the attack.
Thailand's military has been accused of targeting the scam industry, which has been linked to organized crime groups and has been a source of revenue for them. The scam industry has been a significant problem in the region, with many victims reporting losses in the thousands of dollars. Thailand's military has claimed that the operation was a success, with several scam centers being dismantled.
The border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia has been ongoing for decades, with both countries claiming sovereignty over the disputed territory. The dispute has led to several skirmishes and clashes between the two countries' militaries. The attack on the scam center is the latest escalation of the conflict.
In a statement, Thailand's military said that the operation was aimed at dismantling the scam industry and disrupting the flow of revenue to organized crime groups. The military claimed that the operation was a success, with several scam centers being dismantled and several suspects being arrested.
The attack has raised concerns about the impact on civilians in the region. Sreymean, who witnessed the aftermath of the attack, said that the foreign workers were not allowed to leave the compound, and many were left without access to medical care or other essential services. The attack has also raised concerns about the use of military force in resolving the border dispute.
The current status of the conflict is unclear, with both countries continuing to claim sovereignty over the disputed territory. The United Nations has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and several international organizations have offered to mediate the dispute. The situation remains volatile, with both countries' militaries on high alert.
In a statement, the Cambodian government condemned the attack and called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The government said that the attack was a clear violation of international law and that it would not tolerate any further aggression from Thailand. The statement also called for the release of the foreign workers who were confined to the compound during the attack.
The implications of the attack are far-reaching, with many experts warning of a potential escalation of the conflict. The use of military force in resolving the border dispute has raised concerns about the impact on civilians in the region and the potential for further violence. The situation remains volatile, and it is unclear how the conflict will be resolved.
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