Thailand-Cambodia border clash: Thai Defence spokesperson gives updates

Key Concepts:

• Drone surveillance
• RPG (Rocket-Propelled Grenade)
• Negotiations
• Mupa base
• M21 multiple rocket launchers
• 122 mm artillery
• Border checkpoints
• Security measure escalation (Level 2 to Level 4)

Timeline of Events and Military Actions:

• 07:35 Hours: Cambodian military deployed drones for surveillance of Thai troop positions. Following this, they positioned weapons and six armed personnel carrying RPGs in front of the agreed-upon barbed wire line.
• Unspecified Time: Thai side attempted negotiations by shouting, but these efforts were unsuccessful.
• 08:20 Hours: Cambodian military personnel opened fire from the Mupa base, approximately 200 meters east of the Damian temple. This action forced the Thai side to return fire.
• Escalation: The conflict escalated and spread to six additional zones along the border.

Weaponry and Damage:

• The Cambodian side deployed heavy weapons, including M21 multiple rocket launchers and 122 mm artillery.
• This deployment caused damage to Thai civilian homes and public facilities along the border, specifically in Gchung district, Surin province. Damage included residential houses and the border area development center.

Casualties and Evacuation:

• The Thai side evacuated civilians from affected areas for safety.
• Three serious injuries were reported, including a 5-year-old boy.
• One death was reported in the Panomongra border community in Surin Province.

Security Measures Escalation:

• Due to the escalating situation, the ad hoc center escalated security measures along the border.
• The security level was raised from Level 2, which restricted border crossings, to Level 4.
• Level 4 involves the complete closure of all border checkpoints along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Negotiation Attempts:

• The Thai side attempted negotiations through shouting, but these attempts were unsuccessful in de-escalating the situation.

Conclusion:

The situation along the Thai-Cambodian border escalated due to the Cambodian military's actions, including drone surveillance, weapon positioning, and ultimately, opening fire. The use of heavy weaponry by the Cambodian side resulted in damage to Thai civilian infrastructure and casualties. In response, the Thai side evacuated civilians and escalated security measures to the highest level, closing all border checkpoints. The initial attempt at negotiation by the Thai side proved unsuccessful.