Casualties rise as Thailand–Cambodia clashes escalate

Casualties rise as Thailand–Cambodia clashes escalate
Reuters

The latest round of clashes between Thailand and Cambodia has left 15 Thai soldiers dead and 270 others injured, Thailand’s Ministry of Defence spokesman Surasant Kongsiri said at a press conference on Saturday.

Thailand has established 970 temporary shelters, which are currently housing 263,105 people. The civilian death toll in Thailand has risen to seven.

Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Army (RTA) reported that Cambodian forces launched strikes on a civilian area in Sisaket Province, leaving two people seriously injured. The attack occurred as residents were rushing to bomb shelters following air raid warnings. The RTA strongly condemned the Cambodian military’s actions.

Cambodia has not yet issued an official response. However, the Cambodian Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday that all border crossings with Thailand would be suspended until further notice. The ministry cited “acts of aggression” by Thailand, which it said caused civilian casualties and damage to residential areas and infrastructure.

The ministry also advised Cambodian citizens currently living and working in Thailand, and Thai nationals in Cambodia, to continue their daily lives and work as normal until a ceasefire is in place.

The Thailand–Cambodia border conflict began on 7 December, with both sides accusing each other of firing the first shots.

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