AFTER a clash erupted between Thai and Cambodian troops near the disputed Prasat Ta Muen Thom temple, Surin province, at 8.20 a.m. this morning (July 24) the fighting has now spread to six locations, Naewna newspaper said.
Lt. Col. Richa Suksuwanon, deputy army spokesperson, said at 9.20 a.m.that clashes are taking place along the entire Pha Mor E Daeng – Khao Phra Viharn Temple zone.
The Cambodian side opened fire using all types of weapons including BM-21 Grads, a Soviet truck-mounted 122mm multiple rocket launcher, while Thai troops responded with artillery fire. Two Thai soldiers got injured in the fighting near Prasat Ta Muen Thom Temple.
Reporters in the area said the six areas where the two countries are clashing include Prasat Ta Muen Thom Temple, Prasat Ta Kwai Temple, Chong Bok, Khao Phra Viharn (Huai Ta Maria/Phu Makhuea), Chong An Ma, and Chong Chom.
Bullets fired by Cambodian soldiers also hit a house in Surin's Ka Choeng district belonging to Mr. Suthee Boontaeng injuring one person.
Officials quickly evacuated residents at this border area as more bullets are expected to fly towards their homes.
The fighting erupted after the task force responsible for Pasart Ta Muen Thom temple heard the sound of a drone flying in front of the compound at 7.35 a.m. although they were not able to see it.
This was followed by six Cambodian troops bringing weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), to the barbed wire fence in front of the Thai base of operation, which is around 200 metres away from the temple. The Thai side tried to negotiate to avoid conflict.
However, at approximately 8.20 a.m.the Cambodian side opened fire.
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