AN intense skirmish at Chong An Ma in Ubon Ratchathani province this afternoon (Dec. 13) resulted in four Thai soldiers being killed while the Thai unit that had seized Prasat Khana ancient site in Surin province had to temporarily withdraw after being hit by heavy shelling by Khmer troops, Naewna newspaper said.
The clash at Hill 677, Chong An Ma, also injured three Thai soldiers who were hit with shrapnel namely:
– Pvt. Chokchai Niamsaeng, injured in both arms, red level injury;.
– Sgt. Maj. Napanan Chandadang, injured in a leg and an arm, yellow level injury;.
– Pvt. Khalit Mudkalem, injured in the back, yellow level injury.
In addition, four soldiers were killed namely:
– Sgt. Maj. Damrongkiat Kaewkrajang;
– Pvt. Mustakim Chema;
– Sgt. Maj. Taweerat Rattanaburi
– An unnamed infantry private.
Moreover Col. Richa Suksuwanon, deputy spokesperson of the Thai Army, said although it was previously reported that Prasat Khana ancient site in Kab Choeng district, Surin province, was 100% occupied Khmer troops later mounted an attack forcing the Thai unit to temporarily withdraw and reposition to later move in and occupy this territory.
The objective of seizing this ancient site is to detonate and destroy a bridge to cut off Cambodian troops’ access to the area.
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Top and Front Page – Prasat Khana ancient site. Photos – PPTVHD36
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