Kantaralak: Heavy fighting continues on the Preah Vihear front, with BM-21 missiles repeatedly hitting populated areas. The situation along the Thai-Cambodian border in Kantaralak District, Sisaket Province, continues to see clashes with heavy weapons, and BM-21 multiple rocket launchers have been found in villages along the border.
According to Thai News Agency, the images of the damage inflicted on border villagers' homes are undeniable evidence that Cambodia has repeatedly committed acts against civilian targets, seriously violating international conventions. This front is near Phu Phi, Phu Man, and Sam Tae, northeast of Preah Vihear Temple.
Two houses in a village in Saothongchai Subdistrict, Kantaralak District, Sisaket Province, were completely destroyed by fire from BM-21 multi-barreled rocket launchers. This morning, the fire is still not completely extinguished, with lingering smoke, amidst the ongoing sound of artillery firefights. Initial surveys by the village security team indicate that approximately 10 houses were damaged, with 7 severely damaged and 2 completely destroyed.
While about 10 villagers, ordered by soldiers to evacuate an hour after the incident, still had the images and sounds echoing in their minds, one 60-year-old woman, worried about her home, property, and loved ones, wanted to return. She lives with only one remaining member of her family: her husband, also 10 years old, a former ranger who lost a leg after stepping on a Cambodian landmine. They live in a bomb shelter and only go out to tend to the cows and keep things in order when the fighting subsides.
The Kantharalak Municipality has scaled down the celebrations at the city's main shrine. Yesterday, the ordination ceremony for 3,000 people was cancelled, leaving only this morning's activities: a simple and quick offering to the city's guardian spirit. This is to reflect the unrest along the border.
The overall situation this morning, although the clashes weren't very intense, shouldn't be taken lightly. As long as the tense situation persists, heavy and damaging fighting could erupt at any time.