(Thailand, 22nd) Thai Prime Minister Anutin said on the 21st that, on the military front, Thailand’s armed forces have secured almost all targeted areas and forced Cambodian troops to withdraw from the relevant zones. At the same time, Thai forces are maintaining strict surveillance in these areas to prevent further intense clashes.
In an interview with the media, Anutin stated that he has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify Thailand’s policy position at the special ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting on the 22nd: that Thailand is neither in breach nor the aggressor. All actions are aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty and security; Thailand always adheres to principles of international law and strives to contain losses without further escalation of the conflict.
Thai Ministry of Defense spokesperson Surasak said at a press conference that the conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has resulted in 34 Thai civilian deaths.
According to reports from the Cambodian side, as of 1 p.m. on the 21st, the half-month-long border conflict has caused at least 19 Cambodian civilian deaths and 79 injuries. Many houses and public infrastructure have been destroyed, and over 510,000 people have been forced to flee their homes.