Thai military forces have intensified their aggressive operations against Cambodia, even as secretariat teams from the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) continue their meetings, said H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Defence, during a press briefing in Phnom Penh this morning.
The spokeswoman reported that Thai military operations began early today at 5:40 a.m. with heavy artillery shelling in the Preah Vihear temple area in Preah Vihear province, and in the Ta Krabey and Tamone temple areas in Oddar Meanchey province.
Banteay Meanchey province remains a primary target, specifically Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages in O’Beichoan commune, O’Chrov district. Between 4:35 a.m. and 7:55 a.m., the Thai military launched an extensive assault using artillery and fighter jets, dropping 40 shells on Chouk Chey village. This was followed by shelling and drone-led bombing raids targeting both Chouk Chey and Prey Chan.
Further strikes were reported in Poipet city, where the Thai military fired three artillery shells into civilian areas of Sangkat Nimitt at 8:15 a.m., followed by two additional shells at 8:36 a.m.
Despite the escalating violence, GBC secretariat teams are scheduled to continue discussions today. These technical talks are intended to secure a cessation of hostilities, restore regional stability, and facilitate a return to normalcy for displaced civilians.
This secretariat-level meeting serves as the essential technical preparation for the 3rd Special Cambodia-Thailand GBC Meeting, scheduled for tomorrow, Dec. 27, under the co-chairmanship of the Ministers of National Defence of both countries.
