Thai Army Accuses Cambodia of Continued Shelling of Civilian Areas

BANGKOK – The Royal Thai Army has accused Cambodian forces of continuing to target Thai civilian areas with heavy weapons, despite repeated condemnations and reports to the international community. The allegations were made on Thursday as shelling reportedly damaged homes and infrastructure along the border.

Cambodian Rocket Fire Injures Seven in Thai Border Villages

Colonel Kannanat Pornnipatkul, assistant spokeswoman for the Royal Thai Army, stated that Cambodia fired approximately 40 BM-21 rockets into Ban Klong Pang village in Sa Kaeo province early Thursday morning, heavily damaging and burning three houses. She reported that since hostilities resumed on December 7, Cambodian attacks have struck at least 150 civilian areas, damaging 190 houses, a hospital, five religious sites, two schools, farmland, and public utilities. The assaults have resulted in one civilian death and 13 injuries.

“This clearly shows that Cambodia targets not only the Thai military forces but also Thai civilian areas,” Colonel Kannanat said.

Cambodia has countered that Thailand has conducted its own strikes on Cambodian civilian areas using heavy weapons and F-16 fighter jets. Thailand maintains that all its operations are defensive responses to Cambodian aggression. The claims from both sides cannot be independently verified.

While overall conflict intensity has declined, Colonel Kannanat noted that Cambodian forces continue to fire at Thai military positions in the Phu Makua-Huai Ta Maria area of Si Sa Ket province and at Bang Nong Chan village in Sa Kaeo. Thai forces have regained control in most areas but have yet to fully secure Ban Nong Chan.

Foreigners report insecurity in Cambodia after travelling to the country

In a related development, Defence Ministry spokesman Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri denied allegations circulated by Cambodian embassies abroad that Thai immigration officials were mistreating travelers transiting to Cambodia. He affirmed that all travelers are treated fairly and without discrimination, though authorities have acknowledged enhanced scrutiny for individuals suspected of criminal activity or potential involvement in the conflict as foreign military advisers. Airports of Thailand Plc has stated that no passengers have been unduly inconvenienced by the increased security measures.

-Thailand News (TN)

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