“Cambodia’s attacks targeting hospitals, civilians and their communities, which have led to the deaths of innocent people including children, constitute war crimes,” the acting Thai prime minister claimed today.
Phumtham said he condemns Cambodia's actions in the strongest terms, stating that the attacks, including the bombing of a convenience store at a petrol station in Si Sa Ket province yesterday, deliberately targeted civilians.
The attacks have led to the deaths of innocent civilians, including a young boy, he said, adding that a hospital in Surin province was also hit by artillery fired by Cambodian forces, injuring many.
Highlighting the severity of the civilian damage, he insisted that these actions violate international law.
Fierce fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces resumed for a second day today at several locations along the shared border between the two countries, according to the Thai army.
Colonel Richa Suksuvanon, deputy spokesperson for the Thai army, said that renewed fighting erupted at about 4am today, in the Chong Bok pass and at Phu Makua in Thailand’s Ubon Ratchathani province, with Cambodian troops firing into Thailand with BM-21 rockets and field artillery shells until 8am.
The Thai army responded with artillery fire and advised Thai people to stay clear of risky areas, she added.
Half an hour later, fighting erupted around Preah Vihear ancient temple in Si Sa Ket province, with Cambodian forces shelling Thai troops embedded in the area.
Fighting was also reported at Chong Bok and Phu Makua. Richa said Cambodian forces had shelled Mount 469, near Chong Bok, in an attempt to dislodge Thai troops embedded there, triggering a fierce firefight.
