Surin: The Surin battlefield has witnessed fierce confrontations, resulting in the tragic death of one soldier and the injury of another. Gunfire, rockets, and bombs continue to echo along the Surin border as Cambodia persistently targets Thai civilian areas. Reports have confirmed that one brave soldier was killed and another wounded in the Ta Kwai battlefield.
According to Thai News Agency, a deafening roar of clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers was heard from areas near Ta Kwai and Ta Muen Thom temples in Phanom Dong Rak district, as well as Chong Rayi in Kap Choeng district, Surin province. The sounds reached as far as Prasat district, Surin province. The Phanom Dong Rak district administration has cautioned residents who are stranded and refuse to evacuate, including village security guards, to seek shelter in bomb shelters and lie flat if they hear any nearby impact. Those who ventured outside quickly retreated upon hearing the sound of BM-21 multiple rocket launchers.
Cambodia initiated an attack with BM-21 grenades before 5 AM. Thai troops from the 2nd Army Area were compelled to retaliate in accordance with the rules of engagement to neutralize the threat and ensure the safety of lives and property in the border area. Currently, the clashes continue, with heavy gunfire heard persistently. Personnel are hesitant to leave their shelters to assess the damage, hoping the shells only land on agricultural areas and avoid civilian homes.
Morning reports indicate that Private Vayu Khwanseua of the 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, was killed, and Sergeant Natthawut Sangkhamanee of the same unit was injured in the battle at Prasat Ta Kwai. The 2nd Army Area Operations Center summarized the situation, revealing that Cambodia also deployed drones, including suicide drones, to heavily bomb Thai bases from Chong Bok to Prasat Ta Kwai and Prasat Khana, particularly in Phum Makheua and Prasat Ta Muen Thom. Despite Cambodia's efforts to retake these areas, Thai troops maintain control over the main territories.
Village defense volunteers (Chor Bor) patrolled the area overnight, ensuring the safety of residents who refused to evacuate, as part of the rear area protection plan. Several unidentified drones were detected from early evening until late at night. The headman of Bak Dai subdistrict has advised villagers, the Chor Bor group, and the media to remain vigilant, as projectile trajectories indicate new landing points, according to the Thai military's artillery coordinate tracking.
While the sounds of clashes were clearly audible in Prasat district, most residents continue their lives as usual, particularly in areas south of Highway 24. Authorities have not issued any evacuation orders yet, choosing to assess the situation further. They will reconsider evacuation if stray bullets land nearby, similar to the first clash.