Fierce fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces is continuing for a fourth day today, with Cambodian troops launching rocket, mortar and artillery bombardments along the frontier in Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani this morning, the Second Army Region reports.
Meanwhile, Thai Air Force F-16 fighter jets took off from an undisclosed airbase at about 7.40am this morning, to conduct air strikes against Cambodian military targets along the border, according to the ‘Army Military Force’ website.
Details of the air strikes are expected to be released late afternoon or early this evening.
In Phanom Dongrak district of the northeastern province of Surin, six BM-21 rockets, fired by Cambodian forces, landed close to the district hospital, forcing the immediate evacuation of medical personnel and in-patients to take cover in the bunkers, according to the Second Army Region.
Army medics have been sent to the hospital to help doctors and nurses to take care of patients.
Asked whether Thailand will issue a statement denouncing the Cambodian rocket attacks on populated areas near a hospital, Prime Minister Anutin
Charnvirakul said he is waiting for a detailed report about the incident first.
The Second Army Region has accused Cambodia of using Prasat Ta Kwai ancient ruins to shelter its troops and to store heavy weaponry, which poses a threat to the archeological site. It also accused Cambodian troops of bringing their families to stay with them on the front line, constituting a violation of human rights and accepted military practice.
According to the army region, fighting today is concentrated on five front lines in Surin province, four in Si Sa Ket and two in Ubon Ratchathani.
The front lines in Surin are Chong Chom-Chong Prua-Chong Rayee, Prasat Ta Kwai, Chong Krang. Prasat Khana and Prasat Ta Muen Thom.
In Si Sa Ket, fighting is reported in area around the Preah Vihear ancient temple, Phu Makua, Pha Mor E-dang and Huai Ta Maria. In Ubon Ratchathani, the two main theatres of action are Chong Bok and Chong An Ma.
Meanwhile the Thai Airforce launched air strikes on Tuesday against the Royal Hill Resort and Casino building in Cambodia’s O Samet area, opposite Chong Chom in Thailand’s Surin province.
The Army Military Force website reported that the Airforce’s Gripen fighter jets dropped several bombs on the casino, which is believed to have been used by Cambodian forces to store sacrificial drones, BM-21 rockets and other munitions.
Thick black smoke was seen billowing from the building after it had been hit.
The same website also published pictures showing that the Prasart Ta Kwai ancient ruins in Surin province sustained heavy damage during fierce fighting yesterday between Thai and Cambodian forces.
Prasart Ta Kwai has been turned into a fortress by Cambodian forces after they occupied the land in the aftermath of the five-day battle in late July. Troops from the Second Army Region have been trying to wrest back control of the ancient temple, which is claimed by Thailand.
