Defence ministry releases casualty figures: 13 killed, 71 wounded by Thai forces

Defence ministry releases casualty figures: 13 killed, 71 wounded by Thai forces

Cambodians who have been displaced by the fighting in Preah Vihear province rest at a pagoda. FB

Cambodian authorities finally released casualty figures during a press conference this morning, July 26. According to the Ministry of National Defence, five soldiers have been killed and 21 injured, while eight civilians have lost their lives and 50 have been wounded, since Thailand opened fire on the morning of July 24.

Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata noted that most of the casualties were suffered in Oddar Meanchey province.

She said the fighting has forced tens of thousands of people to flee for safety.

In Oddar Meanchey, more than 22,000 people from 6,577 families had fled, along with 3,112 families (more than 10,000 individuals) in Preah Vihear. In Banteay Meanchey, 524 families (over 800 people) have been displaced, while Pursat has seen 94 families, more than 200 people, evacuated.

“The total number of people who have been forced to flee their homes stands at 35,829. The Thai forces are deploying more troops and weapons, with no attempt to de-escalate the situation,” she said.

“Thailand has placed Trat and Chanthaburi, which border Koh Kong and Pursat provinces, under martial law, and begun deploying additional troops and weapons, as well as along the border with Banteay Meanchey, apparently as part of their ‘Chakraphong Phuvanaat’ military strategy,” she added.

Socheata suggested that the obviously well-planned preparations show that Thailand is planning a more aggressive posture and intends to encroach even further on Cambodian territory.

She also pointed out that Thailand seemed to have arranged circumstances that would allow it to level accusations against Cambodia, such as claiming that Cambodian forces had laid fresh anti-personnel mines in the disputed border areas. She believed that this was done deliberately, to create a pretext for attacking Cambodia.

“All of these actions clearly show Thailand’s intention to invade Cambodia was well-planned in advance,” she said.

“The defence ministry appeals to the international community, The UN Security Council, ASEAN and all relevant international partners to condemn the arrogant, aggressive action of Thailand to the greatest extent possible,” he added.