Thailand - Cambodia: Suspended Prime Minister makes shocking statement, closes tourist spot

Reuters news agency quoted Thai Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin as saying that attacks from Cambodia on July 24 killed at least 11 civilians and 1 Thai soldier.

Earlier, a missile hit a convenience store in Ban Nam Yen, about 20 kilometers from the Cambodian border, according to the head of Kantharalak district, Sisaket province, speaking to Thai PBS.

CNN quoted a source from the Thai military as saying that a missile launched by Cambodia hit a crowded gas station in Sisaket province, killing six civilians and injuring 10 others.

Videos circulating on social media showed several injured people lying outside the heavily damaged 7-Eleven, with smoke billowing from the back. The storefront was destroyed and the windows were shattered.

In addition, Thai authorities also accused the Cambodian military of launching two BM-21 rockets at Phanom Dong Rak Hospital and a residential area in Kap Choeng district, Surin province, injuring three civilians.

According to CNN, Thai officials announced that the country has closed its border with Cambodia after tensions between the two neighboring countries escalated.

Not stopping there, under the order of Lieutenant General Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the Thai 2nd Army Corps, the decision was made to apply to the provinces bordering Cambodia including Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sisaket and Buriram. All cross-border travel, including independent travel, tours and trade, has been suspended until the situation is under control.

Among the sites off-limits to visitors are ancient temples such as Ta Muen and Ta Kwai, popular destinations for Khmer heritage tourists along Thailand’s northeastern border. In addition, the Chong Bok and Chong An Ma areas, near Ubon Ratchathani, frequented by visitors on their way to Preah Vihear province in Cambodia, have been completely sealed off.

Thai officials said the closure was precautionary, aimed at protecting the lives of people and tourists, and waiting for further dialogue between the two countries at the government level.

Ta Muen and Ta Kwai temples are two ancient Khmer monuments located in Surin Province, Thailand, close to the Cambodian border. Both were built in the 11th century, bearing the Angkorian architectural imprint with large sandstone blocks and elaborate carvings, often visited by tourists on their journey to explore the Thai-Cambodian border area.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn criticizes Cambodia for attacking civilians

Thailand's suspended Prime Minister and Culture Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has issued a statement condemning Cambodia over the shooting at the border between the two countries.

Ms Paetongtarn stressed that the situation had gone beyond the stage where it could be resolved through diplomatic means. She affirmed that the Thai government and military had always tried to pursue a peaceful solution, but the actions of Cambodia had left Thailand "with no choice but to respond".

She also affirmed that Thailand's ultimate goal is to avoid bloodshed.

"We have always respected international law, but now Cambodia has pushed Thailand into a position where it has to act. We may be forced to do things we have tried to avoid before," she said.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn stressed national unity and the military's commitment to defend the country.

She also stated that Thailand does not rule out the possibility of a military response, but still prioritizes diplomatic efforts. However, Thailand will not allow the situation to continue to escalate, causing further damage to civilians.

Ms. Paetongtarn also accused Cambodia of using weapons against unarmed civilians as an "unacceptable" act.

"This attack on innocent civilians will be condemned by the international community, and Thailand will be steadfast in its response," she affirmed.

On the Cambodian side, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet wrote on Facebook on July 24 that Thai forces attacked Cambodian military positions at the Preah Vihear and Ta Krabei temples in Oddar Meanchey province.

"Cambodia always maintains its stance of resolving disputes by peaceful means, but in this case, we are forced to respond with force to this armed intrusion," Mr. Hun Manet affirmed.

Prime Minister Hun Manet has called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to quickly intervene to end Thailand's "aggressive" actions, according to the Phnom Penh Post.

In a letter to Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Head of the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations and rotating president of the Security Council, Manet called on the Security Council to convene an urgent meeting to discuss Thailand's actions and take measures to prevent the situation from escalating.

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