Escalation of Violence: Cambodia’s Attacks on Thai Civilian Areas
The number of casualties from recent attacks by Cambodian forces on Thai civilian areas has increased, with 12 people confirmed dead and over 30 injured. Among the deceased is an eight-year-old boy, highlighting the tragic impact of the violence on innocent lives.
According to the Thai army, as of 2:15 pm on Thursday, civilian zones were targeted by supporting fire following a morning assault on a Thai military base near the Ta Muen Thom temple in Surin province. The attacks resulted in fatalities, injuries, and property damage. The affected regions include:
- Surin: Two civilians killed, including an eight-year-old boy; four civilians injured; five soldiers wounded.
- Ubon Ratchathani: One civilian killed; four seriously injured.
- Si Sa Ket: Eight civilians killed, including a 15-year-old; 15 civilians injured; one soldier killed, two wounded.
- Buri Ram: One civilian injured.
In addition to human casualties, the attacks caused significant property damage, including destruction of residential buildings, agricultural land, and livestock in the affected areas.
Condemnation and Response from Thai Authorities
Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin strongly condemned the attacks, calling them inhumane and a severe violation of human dignity and Thailand’s sovereignty. He emphasized ongoing efforts to coordinate emergency medical responses, with additional personnel and resources deployed to the impacted zones.
Mr. Somsak reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens, stating, “The government will pursue all necessary measures to respond to the aggression and ensure the safety of its citizens.”
The Royal Thai Army also reiterated its stance, emphasizing its readiness to take all necessary military actions in response to what it described as violations of humanitarian principles. The statement said, “The Royal Thai Army strongly condemns the violent actions targeting civilians by Cambodian forces. Thailand stands ready to defend its sovereignty and protect its people from such inhumane acts.”
Impact on Local Communities
In Surin’s Kap Choeng district, two people were killed and two injured when BM-21 rockets fired from Cambodia struck their village in the morning. Evacuations of up to 40,000 residents to emergency shelters were underway.
District chief Sutthiroj Charoenthanasak confirmed that two rockets hit the village at 9:40 am while residents were awaiting evacuation. Four people were wounded, with two later dying at the hospital: a 12-year-old child and an adult.
Authorities were evacuating people from 86 villages to emergency shelters at schools in the neighboring Prasat district, Surin. Mr. Sutthiroj noted that shelter capacity was adequate and most evacuees had arrived safely. However, officials have not yet surveyed the attack site due to concerns over continued Cambodian artillery fire.
Patients in Kap Choeng were being evacuated from Phanom Dong Rak and Kap Choeng hospitals after rockets fell near the Ta Muen temple ruins. Further casualty reports were not immediately available.
In Si Sa Ket, two people were reported killed and many other civilians hurt when Cambodian rockets fell into a supermarket at a petrol station in Ban Phue. Provincial governor Watthana Phutthichat confirmed the incident.
Fire and Rescue Thailand reported that the two deaths at the supermarket were students. A Thaipbs reporter mentioned that their bodies were found in the ruins. The 2nd Army Region posted a video of the incident on its Facebook page at 11:30 am.
Ongoing Concerns and International Attention
The situation remains tense as both sides continue to assess the damage and respond to the escalating conflict. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, with calls for de-escalation and peaceful resolution of the crisis.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected communities, while also addressing the broader implications of the cross-border violence.
