The Royal Thai Army's 2nd Army Area posted on social media on the 24th, stating that at 10:58 am local time (11:58 am Malaysia time), Thai Air Force F-16 fighters were dispatched to destroy two Cambodian military facilities.
The Thai military also condemned the Cambodian military for "targeted attacks on civilians."
The Thai military noted that two Cambodian BM-21 rockets hit a community in Kap Choeng District, Surin Province, injuring three Thai civilians.
Hun Manet Calls for Public Calm
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on the 24th called on the public to remain calm and trust the government and armed forces.
He stated on social media that on the morning of the 24th, the Thai military launched attacks on two Cambodian military outposts in Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey Province and expanded the attack to Preah Vihear Province.
He said: "Cambodia always adheres to the position of peacefully resolving problems, but in this situation, we have no choice but to respond to armed aggression with our armed forces."
Cambodian and Thai Soldiers Exchange Fire in Disputed Border Area
Earlier, the Royal Thai Army reported on social media that in the morning, the Cambodian side fired first in the border area, after which the two sides clashed, injuring a Thai soldier.
The Thai army said its task force heard the sound of a Cambodian drone hovering near the Thai operation base near Wat Dam Rong Thong in Surin. Subsequently, six armed Cambodian soldiers approached the barbed wire in front of the Thai base. To avoid escalation, the Thai side shouted negotiations to the Cambodian side, maintained a high level of alert along the entire border, and prepared to respond.
The Thai Army pointed out that at about 8:20 am local time on the 24th, the Cambodian side opened fire first about 200 meters east of Wat Dam Rong Thong, near the Thai operation base. Relevant departments of the Royal Thai Army are closely monitoring the development of the situation.
Acting Thai Prime Minister Puttan said in an interview with Thai media in the morning that he has received reports on the incident, and emphasized the need to respond to the current situation with caution and in accordance with international law.
Thai Military Fired First
Cambodia's Deputy Defense Secretary and spokesman Mali Suchieta said in a statement, "The Thai military first launched an armed attack on the Cambodian army, and the Cambodian army acted strictly in self-defense," which was a response to Thailand's unprovoked violation of Cambodian territory.
The Cambodian side said the conflict took place in Oddar Meanchey Province along the Cambodia-Thailand border.