Thailand is left to mourn after a skirmish on Thursday, July 24 has left 11 Thai citizens and one Thai soldier deceased. Additionally, more than 30 others have been reported injured. The skirmish occurred in Ban Phue, Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket where tensions between the two countries have been high in recent months. This is over the claim to the ancient Ta Muean Thom temple in Surin’s Phanom Dong Rak district.
The escalation in aggressiveness however, is said to have been Cambodia’s doing. Thailand government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub responded by insisting that Cambodia was the one who fired the first shot. Jirayu continued on to call the Cambodians “inhumane” and “war-hungry”. The country has also responded by calling upon the international community to condemn the foreign attack on civilian targets.
Tactically, Thailand’s immediate response was to launch multiple F-16 fighter jets to strike two Cambodian military command centers. This mission was reported as a success. However, the conflict continued throughout the rest of the day. Cambodia proceeded to barrage the four Thai provinces of Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram, Ubon Ratchathani, and Surin with artillery fire. The damage from which is still being accessed. Emergency services have been dispatched to help those affected.
Overall, this disaster clearly marks an escalation in the ongoing tensions between the two neighbor countries. The Royal Thai Army has redeclared its commitment to defending its civilians and its national sovereignty. The future of this conflict is still not known, however Thai citizens in the affected provinces should be on high alert and be prepared for emergency evacuations if needed.
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