Bangkok, Thailand – At least four Thai soldiers have been killed in renewed clashes along the border with Cambodia, officials announced Saturday. The escalation comes despite recent reports of a potential ceasefire agreement.
According to a statement from the Thai Ministry of Defense, the fatalities occurred in the Chong An Ma region. Spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri confirmed that the death toll among Thai forces has now reached fourteen since the outbreak of hostilities earlier this week.
The Thai Air Force reportedly launched retaliatory strikes against targets within Cambodia, claiming to have successfully destroyed two bridges allegedly used for transporting weapons to the conflict zone. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul asserted that military operations would continue until Thailand’s security is assured.
The Thai military has accused Cambodia of repeated violations of international protocols, citing the targeting of civilian areas and the use of landmines. Charnvirakul specifically mentioned a landmine explosion that resulted in the deaths of Thai soldiers, dismissing it as a mere accident.
Cambodian officials have responded with counter-accusations. The Cambodian Ministry of Defense alleged that Thai F-16 fighter jets dropped multiple bombs on Cambodian territory. They further stated that Thai air strikes were ongoing. Cambodia’s Information Minister, Neth Pheaktra, claimed that Thailand had expanded its attacks to include civilian infrastructure and populations within Cambodia.
Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia stated he had contacted the U.S. President and the Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, requesting their assistance in securing a ceasefire. He urged both nations to investigate which side initiated the conflict, while reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to a peaceful resolution based on a previous agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur last October. DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing situation.
