Cambodian drones have been sighted near Thai oil rigs in the Gulf of Thailand, as fierce fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces continues for the 12 consecutive day since the outbreak of renewed hostilities on December 7.
Lieutenant Priyada Buasomboon, assistant spokesperson for the Thai Navy, said today that the Thai navy will not sit by in response to the intrusion of Cambodian drones, after an incident on December 9, when the security unit at the Erawan oil rig reported the sighting of Cambodian drones, adding that they were also sighted within a 10km radius of the Pailin, Satun and Funan oil rigs in the Gulf.
Priyada also said that the Thai navy has held discussions with the security officials of the oil rig operators, including PTT Exploration Company, on anti-drone measures and contingency plans in case the rigs come under attack.
She stressed that the Thai navy will maintain security in Thai territorial waters and protect the oil exploration facilities.
Exchanges of artillery barrages and small arms fire were reported today along the entire border in Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram, Surin, Sa Keo and Trat provinces.
In Sa Kao province, Thai Air Force F-16 fighter jets conducted air strikes against Cambodian military installations and scam centres in the Poipet border town, after Cambodian gunners bombarded Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaew villages with BM-21 rockets and artillery shells.
The Office of Primary Education in Trat province has ordered the suspension of classes for five days from today, due to the escalating fighting.
At Ban Sam Lung, in Cham Rak sub-district of Trat province, which was captured by Thai troops in the past few days, Cambodian forces are reported to have attempted take back the lost territory, but were beaten back.
