Cambodian military attacks on Thailand, which have been targeting civilians, communities and hospitals, have killed nine people so far, including an eight-year-old child, according to Col Richa Suksuwan, deputy spokesperson for the Thai Army.
The army strongly condemns these violent actions by Cambodian forces, Richa said, adding that it maintains its commitment to defending Thailand’s sovereignty and protecting its people from violations of international humanitarian principles.
The spokesperson was speaking after Thai and Cambodian troops clashed this morning, following months of rising border tensions.
The skirmishes came soon after both countries downgraded diplomatic relations and recalled their ambassadors.
Richa told the media that Cambodian forces launched an attack on a Thai military base, near Ta Muen Thom Temple in Surin province, earlier today day.
The Army has also received reports from local authorities indicating that Cambodian forces fired artillery into civilian areas, including hospitals, causing severe damage to homes, injuries and civilian deaths.
The impact by area is as follows:
1. PTT petrol station, Ban Phue, Nong Ya Lat subdistrict, Kantharalak district, Sisaket province (6 civilians killed, 10 injured)
2. Ban Chorak, Dan subdistrict, Kap Choeng district, Surin province (2 civilians killed, including an 8-year-old boy), 2 injured
3. Ban Kut Chiang Moon, Ban Chan La, and Ban Phon Thong, Dom Pradit subdistrict, Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province (1 civilian killed, 1 injured)
4. Ban Khilek, Ban Kruat subdistrict, Ban Kruat district, Buri Ram province
– Damage to homes and agricultural livestock reported
5. Village 16, Ban Kruat subdistrict, Ban Kruat district, Buri Ram province (1 civilian injured)
6. Ban Nong Raet, Bak Dai subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak district, Surin province
– Damage to homes
7. Home of Boonluam Thongwiset, Village 9, Dom Pradit subdistrict, Ubon Ratchathani province
– Damage to property
Meanwhile Captain Thanakrit Jittareerattana, secretary to the Minister of Public Health, posted photos on his personal Facebook account showing damage to a building inside Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin province, which was hit by Cambodian artillery, injuring several people.
