Sa kaeo: Soldiers raised the Thai national flag to the top of the flagpole on Hill 323 and sang the national anthem loudly. Heavy clashes continued on the eastern border, with Thai soldiers determined to defend sovereignty. The Thai flag was raised at Hill 323 in Sa Kaeo province, and the national anthem was sung loudly. Meanwhile, in Trat province, Cambodian artillery shells landed on a road and in a durian orchard; EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) teams rushed to investigate. Marines were also involved in the operation as planned.
According to Thai News Agency, the Army Military Force Facebook page posted a video with the caption: “Eastern Command, Khlong Haad Task Force, raises the Thai national flag to the top of the flagpole at Hill 323, which is within Thai sovereign territory, in Khlong Kai Thuean Subdistrict, Khlong Haad District.” This is a declaration of Thai sovereignty in the border area and a full readiness to defend Thai territory.
In Trat province, following fierce clashes yesterday, artillery shells from the Cambodian side were found to have landed in residential areas along Sukhumvit Road (Trat-Klong Yai) near Ban Nong Ri, Chamrak Subdistrict, Mueang Trat District, at two locations. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units are urgently investigating. At the first location, an artillery shell was found to have landed on the road surface before penetrating more than 2 meters into the ground. Initially, it cannot be confirmed whether the shell has exploded or not due to its depth making it difficult to access.
The second location was approximately 100 meters away. The shell landed on the road and exploded violently, penetrating the road surface to the other side, scattering debris and soil over a wide area. Shrapnel was also found scattered throughout the vicinity. Additionally, artillery shells were found to have landed in a villager’s durian orchard. This morning, officials conducted a thorough investigation of all locations.
Meanwhile, Trat Provincial Radio Station posted the message: “Urgent! Security forces request cooperation in protecting the border. Today there will be violent clashes and the area of conflict will expand. All citizens are requested to evacuate the area. Do not use mobile phones in high-risk areas because the opposing side can detect the attack signals.”
Reports indicate that the situation in Trat province has become highly tense again since 7 a.m. Continuous artillery fire has been heard, and the Trat Marine Corps is proceeding with its “Trat Suppresses the Enemy” operation.