Bangkok: The National Security Council condemned Cambodia’s actions, using heavy weapons to shoot into the Thai side without a clear target, resulting in deaths and injuries, and stressed that at present it is only a clash, not a state of war.

According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, acting Prime Minister, stated that today’s National Security Council (NSC) meeting was a special meeting and a cabinet meeting. He received a report of the clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border, noting that there was shooting from Cambodia and heavy weapons were fired into Thai territory without a clear target. This resulted in 11 deaths, comprising 10 civilians and 1 soldier, and 28 injuries. Mr. Phumtham condemned Cambodia’s actions of using force without a clear target.

Some heavy weapons were fired at a gas station, which is only 3 kilometers from the border, marking a use of force without adhering to international law. It was confirmed that it was not a state of war, but only a clash. Thailand emphasized its use of peaceful means and stated it did not intend to use violence, but it was a provocation, so it had to protect itself and the country, ensuring that its sovereignty would not be violated.

Preparations have been made to fully protect and defend sovereignty by using various measures and appropriate military power. In the event of an emergency, the military is prepared to act immediately, adhering to international law. Orders have been given to evacuate people from risk areas more than 50 kilometers away, along with a security plan covering the provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, and Buriram.

The resolution of the NSC meeting is to care for the people as best as possible, provide compensation for the deceased and the affected, including taking care of schools in the border areas, closing schools, evacuating patients, and converting district hospitals into field hospitals.

Mr. Phumtham revealed that he is not interested in Hun Sen’s international engagements, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs has spoken with the UN Secretary-General. Regarding the Cambodian labor situation, he requested that the border situation calm down first.