Border clashes enter fifth day despite peace talks in Malaysia

Clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops raged for a fifth consecutive day yesterday even as peace talks between the two countries were reportedly underway.

- APINYA WIPATAYOTIN

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) confirmed ongoing fighting across five strategic border zones, with ground and air forces combining efforts to suppress heavy artillery from Cambodian positions. The RTA insisted all contested territory was firmly under Thai control.

In Surin province, intense gunfire began from 11pm on Sunday and lasted until dawn, centred on the Ta Kwai Temple area. Inspections revealed that more than 40 BM-21 rockets had landed in some villages. Another fierce exchange around 10.30am yesterday lasted over 30 minutes, prompting the deployment of F-16 fighter jets by late morning.

Cambodian fire targeted the Ta Kwai and Chong Krang areas, while the Ta Muean Thom sector saw less activity, likely due to earlier Thai strikes depleting enemy munitions.