BANTEAY MEANCHEY: The Grand Diamond Casino building was engulfed in fire on the night of 28 December 2022, causing many deaths and injuries. Authorities began demolishing the building from 1 January 2023.

The Deputy Governor of Banteay Meanchey Province and Deputy Coordinator of the demolition of the casino building, Ngor Mengchruon, has confirmed that during the process of demolishing the casino building, authorities have found seven safes full of Thai currency.

According to the provincial Deputy Governor, the building is being demolished to avoid endangering the lives of people entering and leaving the Cambodia-Thailand border crossing in Poipet. Meanwhile, authorities have temporarily suspended the Poipet International Border Gate.

The fire at the Grand Diamond Casino hotel engulfed three buildings and killed 26 people and injured nearly 60 more. One additional person died at a hospital in Thailand while being treated for injuries, bringing the total death toll up to 27. Authorities have not yet been able to determine the full extent of the damage done to the three buildings.

Among the 26 dead were 17 Thai nationals, one Nepalese, one Malaysian, one suspected Chinese national and six unidentified people. According to the Banteay Meanchey Deputy Governor, the six unidentified bodies will undergo DNA testing to reveal their identities.