Bangkok: Spokesperson for the CCSA retraces the timeline of the clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border, emphasizing that Cambodian soldiers laid down their weapons in full force and opened fire first near the Ta Muen Thom temple before the clashes spread to six more locations, resulting in one civilian death and three injuries, including a five-year-old child. The CCSA has raised the level to level 4, closing all border checkpoints, and urging Thai gamblers to take care of themselves and not be able to return.
According to Thai News Agency, Rear Admiral Surasan Kongsiri, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters and spokesman of the Center for the Administration of the Situation on the Thai-Cambodian Border, announced that the Center’s meeting reviewed and monitored the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border, particularly focusing on the latest incident of a bombing at Chong An Ma, Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, which resulted in serious injuries to personnel. It was confirmed that this was an area of operation for the Thai side, with continuous patrols. Early this morning at 7:35 a.m., the Cambodian side used a drone to survey the deployment of Thai personnel at Prasat Ta Muen. Subsequently, Cambodian soldiers armed with RPGs were observed moving to the front line, prompting the Thai side to attempt negotiation. However, by 8:20 a.m., the Cambodian side initiated fire, leading to a retaliation by the Thai forces.
The situation then escalated along the borders with six additional clashes reported at Prasat Tam Muen Thom, Prasat Ta Kwai, Chong Bok, Khao Phra Wihan, Huai Ta Maria, Phum Makhuea, Chong An Ma, and Chong Chom. The Cambodian side has been using heavy weaponry, such as BM21 and 122 mm cannons, causing damage to Thai homes and public areas, including the Border Area Development Center in Kap Choeng District, Surin Province, and Thai hospitals. Rear Admiral Surasan confirmed that civilians have been evacuated from the area, although three individuals, including a five-year-old boy, sustained injuries, and one person perished in a community area on the Phanom Dong Rak border in Surin Province.
Rear Admiral Surasan stated that the Thai military has been operating under the Defence Ministry Civil Service Act B.E. 2551, Section 39, setting up military command centers at each level to monitor and control the situation. The Supreme Commander is in charge, with the authority to use military force. Despite measures in place to control border crossings, the current situation necessitated raising the border control measures to level 4, leading to the closure of all checkpoints along the Thai-Cambodian border. The authorities have been monitoring Thai tourists traveling to gamble in border areas and returning by land, urging the public to refrain from such activities due to the border closure.