Bangkok: A timeline of the violent clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border that erupted today reveals a series of escalations leading to a severe confrontation. The conflict traces its origins to a landmine incident involving a patrol unit of the 14th Infantry Battalion in Ubon Ratchathani Province, where one Thai soldier was severely injured, losing a leg, and four others sustained injuries. This marks a repeat of a similar incident within a week, heightening tensions along the border.

According to Thai News Agency, Lt. Gen. Boonsin Phadklang, Commander of the 2nd Army, responded by closing four checkpoints and two tourist attractions in the region. Early today, Thai forces identified the sound of a Cambodian UAV near the Ta Muen Thom temple area, despite the aircraft being invisible. Subsequently, six armed Cambodian soldiers, equipped with heavy weapons, advanced toward the Thai base, disregarding negotiations and opening fire at 08:20 AM.

The conflict spread to several border areas, with the Cambodian military deploying heavy artillery, inflicting damage on civilian structures, including the Border Area Development Center in Surin Province, and assaulting a Thai hospital. The most significant damage occurred at a PTT gas station in Sisaket Province, where a cannonball struck, causing a fire that resulted in seven civilian fatalities and over ten injuries.

In retaliation, Thai forces utilized field artillery, leading to injuries among two soldiers. General Pana Klaewplodthuk, the Army Commander, visited the frontline to support the troops. At 11:00 AM, the Royal Thai Air Force deployed six F-16 aircraft to target Cambodian military positions, successfully completing their operation without incident.

By 12:30 PM, Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a stern condemnation of Cambodia for purportedly laying mines on Thai soil and targeting civilian sites. The ministry emphasized Thailand’s readiness to enhance its defensive measures if the Cambodian assaults persist.