SAKAEO, Thailand – Thailand’s First Army Region on Thursday condemned Cambodian forces for launching a rocket strike on a civilian village near the border, calling it a violation of international humanitarian law and human rights.
The military said Cambodian forces fired 40 BM-21 rockets into Ban Khlong Phaeng in Sa Kaeo province’s Ta Phraya district on Thursday morning. The barrage caused widespread damage to residential homes, public utilities, agricultural land, and local roads.
The use of heavy weaponry against civilian areas shows a lack of intent to resolve the conflict and a deliberate violation of international law, the First Army Region said in a statement.
The escalation follows the death of a Thai soldier, Private Thanaphat Nanthawong, who was killed during a border clash in the nearby Khok Sung district on Dec. 23 , becoming the 23rd soldier to die since hostilities reignited on Dec. 8.
A military ceremony was held Thursday at Watthana Nakhon Airbase to honor Private Thanaphat before his remains were flown to his hometown in Amnat Charoen province.
While military talks began in Chanthaburi province on Wednesday, the situation remains volatile. (TNA)
