By Thai Newsroom and Amarin TV
AFTER DAYS of heavy fighting Thai soldiers successfully recaptured Hill 350 adjacent to Prasat Ta Khwai ancient temple in Surin province today (Dec. 20) with the bodies of two Thai soldiers who had died there retrieved and transported to the plains.
Lt. Gen. Weerayuth Raksilp, commander of the Second Army Region, said he has ordered a cautious and meticulous operation to establish security at this location because Khmer troops violated the Ottawa Convention by planting landmines throughout the area.
Meanwhile Thai F-16 fighter jets bombed a casino at Thmor Da commune, Veal Veng district, Pursat province, after finding out that the Cambodian military had modified the building for use as a weapons depot and a troop assembly point, as well as a base for drone operations in continuously threatening Thailand’s sovereignty.
Last night a team from Khlong Yai subdistrict, Khlong Yai district, Trat province, led by the village headman patrolled villages and alleys along Khao Wong border road after hearing intermittent exchange of gunfire off the coast from 6 p.m. onwards.
It was reported that Cambodian ships had encroached Thai waters near Ban Ha Lek subdistrict, adjacent to Cambodia’s Koh Kong province, with the fighting starting with tracers being fired.
Furthermore, an unidentified drone was seen circling the Thai waters. The fighting at the Thai-Cambodian waters startled Cambodian citizens who dashed home for security but some of them videotaped the fighting.
In another development a fire broke out at Rong Kluea market in Aranyaprathet at around 1 a.m. last night and was brought under control by 3 a.m.
An investigation by Khlong Luek police station in conjunction with Sa Kaeo Provincial Forensic Police this morning showed that 20 shops had been damaged in the blaze with initial investigations suggesting that the fire originated in a shop selling electrical equipment such as solar panels and batteries.
The Deputy Commander of the Sa Kaeo Provincial Police confirmed that there was no indication that the fire was linked to the fighting or was an attempted sabotage, as the Rong Kluea market area is under strict security control and residential use not permitted.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page – Hill 350 retaken. Photo – Amarin TV
First insert – Gunfire off Trat coast. Photo – Amarin TV
Second insert – A shop at Rong Kluea market was damaged by fire. Photo – Amarin TV
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