Thai authorities have rescued five severely malnourished wild animals from a casino near the Cambodia border, as fighting between Thai and Cambodian troops persists despite ongoing efforts to end the conflict.

The rescue operation, conducted by the Royal Thai Marine Task Force and coordinated with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, took place at the Thmor Dar casino site in Cambodia’s border region, where soldiers discovered two lions and three bears confined in cages without food or water.

All five animals were thin with their ribs visible when first found, prompting urgent veterinary intervention to stabilise them for transport to specialised wildlife breeding and rehabilitation centres in Thailand.

Officials identified the rescued animals as a male lion, a lioness, two Asiatic black bears and a Malayan sun bear, all of which had been left in critical condition.

Teams worked under difficult conditions to extricate the animals from the abandoned casino compound and ensure their safe relocation to facilities where they can receive long-term care and rehabilitation.

The bears were taken to the Bang Lamung Wildlife Breeding Station in Chon Buri province, while the lions are being cared for at the Khao Son Wildlife Breeding Station in Ratchaburi province.

Veterinary staff are providing around-the-clock treatment to help the animals regain strength and recover from their prolonged neglect.

The discovery came amid heightened military tensions along parts of the Thailand–Cambodia border, where clashes that reignited in early December have led to a significant humanitarian toll and prompted diplomatic engagements aimed at restoring a ceasefire.

Both governments have held border committee talks and external parties including ASEAN and other partners have urged an end to hostilities.

The rescue of the animals has drawn attention to the broader impact of the conflict on communities and environments along the frontier, spurring Thai officials to highlight the humanitarian and conservation aspects of their mission.

Authorities are also investigating the origins of the animals and whether their confinement at the casino is connected to cross-border wildlife trafficking or other illicit activities.

The operation underscores the challenges faced by military and conservation personnel who must balance security objectives with animal welfare concerns in a complex and volatile setting.

With the animals now in professional care, officials will continue rehabilitation efforts while pressing for broader stability and peace along the border.