BANGKOK, Thailand – The Royal Thai Navy deployed HTMS Thepa to provide naval gunfire support during an operation to reclaim a key position in Trat province amid continued clashes along the Thai–Cambodian border. The mission, taking place on December 9, targeted a stronghold in Ban Nong Ri, Chamrak subdistrict, following a ground assault earlier in the day by Royal Thai Marine Corps units from the Chanthaburi–Trat Border Defense Force.
Initial efforts to secure the area encountered fierce resistance. Cambodian forces had fortified the location with bunkers and trench networks and launched intense counterattacks using heavy weapons and artillery. The Thai Marines were forced to temporarily withdraw from the immediate frontline as fighting intensified.
HTMS Thepa began delivering artillery fire at around 6:00 p.m. from the sea to support ground troops. The bombardment inflicted extensive damage on the Cambodian position, destroying roughly 80 percent of its defensive structures. Thai forces then advanced to eliminate the remaining bunkers and incinerate all three buildings believed to have been used for storage and cover.
Once the site was cleared, Thai forces secured the area to prevent further reoccupation. The operation marked a shift in momentum following hours of combat throughout the day.
In response to the overall security situation, the Royal Thai Navy has raised its readiness level. Naval ships are now patrolling the eastern seaboard around the clock, with all weapons systems fully armed and on standby for immediate deployment if required. (NNT)
