Published on: December 27, 2025, 12:07h.
Updated on: December 27, 2025, 12:09h.
Earlier this week, Thai marines saved five malnourished lions and bears from a bombed-out former casino near the Cambodian border amid escalating tensions between the two Southeast Asian nations.
The rescued animals—comprising two lions, two Asiatic black bears, and one sun bear—were discovered confined in rusted cages within the abandoned premises of the Thmor Da Casino, suffering from dehydration and severe malnutrition after possibly being deprived of food and water for weeks.
The distressing conditions were discovered by a special task force from the Trat Marine, conducting a sweep of the casino site, which had served as a strategic point for the Cambodian military during recent hostilities along the disputed border. Thai officials reported that the animals had been kept as attractions for casino visitors until the conflict prompted staff to vacate the area.
Veterinarians sedated the animals for safe transportation across the border for urgent medical care, followed by relocation to breeding centers in Thailand. It is anticipated that all five will fully recover.
According to Thai officials, during recent confrontations, Cambodian troops had taken over the casino’s premises, utilizing its complex structure as a defensive stronghold. Casino employees evacuated early in the confrontations, leaving the animals trapped as artillery fire caused damage to the surroundings, cutting off electricity and water supplies.
Understanding Thmor Da
Thmor Da Casino, also known as Thmor Dar, was a gaming facility situated in Thmor Da commune, Veal Veng district, Pursat province, Cambodia, directly opposite Ban Tha Sen village in Trat province, Thailand.
Thmor Da Casino was one of several gaming establishments operating in a loosely regulated border region, existing in a legal gray area. Since at least 2015, it catered to Thai gamblers, who have faced a national gambling prohibition since 1935, with investment primarily from Chinese backers.
This casino operated on Cambodian territory yet relied heavily on the cross-border traffic from Thailand. Its isolated setting and informal governance due to weak enforcement made it an appealing locale for both commercial endeavors and military activities during periods of increased tension.
The recent discovery of the abandoned wild animals has sparked renewed scrutiny regarding border casinos, many of which feature exotic animals for photo ops or private showcases.
Wildlife advocacy groups are demanding a thorough investigation into the conditions in which these animals were housed, questioning the absence of an evacuation plan despite the casino’s closeness to an ongoing conflict zone.
The casino remains cordoned off as military units continue their clearing operations in the area.