Thailand-Cambodia Clashes: First Civilian Killed in Si Sa Ket

SI SA KET, Dec 15 (TNA) - A BM-21 rocket attack by Cambodian forces killed the first civilian in the second round of border clashes, hitting a village in Thailand's Si Sa Ket province.

The man, 63, died after shrapnel and the blast from a volley of BM-21 multi-barrel rockets struck a residential street in a village in Kantaralak district around noon yesterday. He was reportedly near a bunker when the attack occurred.

The same rocket barrage severely damaged houses on both sides of the road and completely destroyed at least one home.

A team from Al Jazeera news channel was in the area observing the situation, underscoring allegations that Cambodia is deliberately targeting civilian areas, a serious violation of international conventions and humanitarian principles.

The death of the civilian prompted the Kantaralak District Chief to order the immediate and complete evacuation of all remaining residents, especially in seven high-risk sub-districts.

Village security teams were deployed to patrol and notify residents. Authorities warned that those refusing to comply could face legal action for disobeying an official order.

The ongoing clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border near Kantaralak district, Si Sa Ket province, have tragically claimed another life. 

Sergeant Major Aphisit Bunnark, a combat medic, was killed inside a bunker at Phu Ma Khuea during the Cambodian BM-21 rocket attack. Five other soldiers were wounded in the same incident.

His death brings the total number of Thai soldiers killed in the border conflict to 16. -819 (TNA)