Thai border villages emptied as fighting with Cambodia leaves homes scarred

VILLAGES in Thailand's Sisaket Province, which borders Cambodia, are quiet and empty after residents were evacuated to shelters.

AI Brief

A CMG reporter observed heavy damage and ongoing artillery fire in the conflict zone, with civilians evacuated due to unstable conditions.
Thai officials say their forces have regained most targeted areas and are pressuring Cambodian troops to withdraw while monitoring for new clashes.
The renewed fighting since Dec. 7 has killed at least 34 civilians in Thailand and 19 in Cambodia, according to both countries' defense ministries.

With permission from the Thai military, a China Media Group (CMG) reporter entered the border conflict zone on Sunday and saw bullet holes scattered across residential buildings, as well as deep craters left by rocket and artillery fire.

"Villagers had been evacuated to shelters, leaving only us security personnel in the area," said Thai army Lieutenant General Patchakorn.

He added that civilians are not yet able to return home, citing the unstable security situation and ongoing hostilities.

Artillery fire could still be heard at the scene throughout the day. Thai military officials said the explosions were caused by Thai artillery strikes targeting Cambodian positions.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Sunday that Thai forces have taken control of nearly all targeted areas and are now compelling Cambodian forces to withdraw, adding that the areas are being closely monitored to prevent any renewed clashes.

The latest round of Thailand-Cambodia conflict, which reignited since Dec 7, has resulted in the deaths of 34 Thai civilians, Thai Ministry of Defense spokesperson Surasant Kongsiri told a press conference on Sunday.

The civilian death toll in Cambodia has risen to 19, Cambodia’s Defense Ministry said on the same day.