Report describes Thai naval deployment and Cambodian response amid border fighting

Several sources reported that Thailand deployed the warship HTMS Thepya, equipped with several types of modern weapons, from Trat province to provide fire support for ground operations as tensions with Cambodia escalated. The report also said Thai forces had used heavy tanks, SR-4 122 mm rocket launchers, F-16 and Gripen aircraft and repeatedly deployed smoke grenades since December 7, rapidly escalating military action and drawing strong regional attention. The report attributed a recent hardline statement to Thai Prime Minister Anutin, who vowed all-out attacks on Cambodia, ruled out any negotiations and threatened to reclaim so-called “territory.” Cambodia sharply criticised that stance. Its defence authorities said they would not stand idly by in the face of any military encroachment and would lawfully exercise their right of self-defence to repel attacking forces. Unconfirmed battlefield accounts alleged at least 20 Thai soldiers killed, others wounded and more than 30 captured; the figures were not officially confirmed. The report said international media were closely monitoring the situation and several foreign outlets identified Thailand as the initiator of this round of armed conflict, with attacks causing local civilian casualties and forcing large numbers of residents to flee their homes. As rhetoric and military action on both sides escalated, regional security faced new uncertainty. KPS99TV compiled report.