Thai–Cambodian border flare-up spreads to eastern front

Spearheaded by M113 armoured personnel carriers (APC), troops from Thailand’s Burapha Task Force smashed through the barbed-wire border fence into disputed areas in Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaew villages, in Khom Sung district of Sa Kaeo province, as the border flare up escalates and spreads from the northeastern theatre into this eastern province.

According to the Army Military Force web page, a 122mm BM21 rocket, fired by Cambodian forces, landed in Ta Phraya district of Sa Kaeo province today, prompting the task force to respond by sending troops into the two villages, which are claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia.

Thai troops are now in control of both villages and will soon erect new barbed wire fencing to demarcate the border.

The villages were used by Thailand to provide shelter for tens of thousands of Cambodians who fled the civil war in Cambodia over 4 decades ago. Since, many have refused to return to Cambodia and have settled in the villages, which are now claimed by Cambodia.

Meanwhile, the Second Army Region, which is responsible for overseeing security in northeastern provinces bordering Cambodia, reported today that Thai troops have destroyed Cambodia’s two anti-drone towers at Khao Phra Viharn (Preah Vihear) and Huai Ta Maria in Kantharalak district of Si Sa Ket and have seized control of Prasart Khana.

The Second Army Region Command is predicting that Cambodian troops may fire MV21 rockets at civilian targets in Si Sa Ket province late tonight.

Maj-Gen Kampanart Waphansu, chief-of-staff of the Second Army Region, said that the targets attacked by Thai troops were within the ‘theatre of operation’ and pose a security threat to Thailand.

The targets included:

• An abandoned casino near Chong An Ma border pass, which was used by Cambodia to store heavy weaponry;

• The anti-drone towers at Khao Phra Viharn

• The cable car to the Mount 350 hilltop troop position, overlooking Prasart Ta Khwai Phanom Dongrak district of Surin

• A cashew nut plantation, which encroaches on Thai soil in Chong Chom of Surin and Prasart Khana in Karb Choeng district of Surin.