Preah Vihear – At least three Thai strikes across three provinces on Thursday were among the deepest recorded in five days of renewed border clashes, with one reaching at least 63 km inside Cambodia, according to social media posts, official statements and local residents.
A Thai F-16 dropped a payload on an army base just south of Preah Vihear provincial capital, Krong Preah Vihear, about 63 km from the nearest Thai border point on Thursday evening, according to villagers living a few kilometres away and local media reports.
By late Thursday, casualty figures from a provincial health official in Preah Vihear showed at least one soldier injured in the incident at the base.
The bombing triggered panic across Krong Preah Vihear municipality, with schools, shops and petrol stations closing and residents and vehicles seen leaving the area Thursday and Friday.
Huon Sieng Hai, a resident of Kraing Dong village about 3 km from the base, said he heard two loud explosions around 4 p.m. on Thursday. Authorities told nearby residents to temporarily evacuate their homes, he said, adding that he has arranged for his two children and mother to leave the province on Friday.
“I was scared when I heard the bombs suddenly because we didn’t know they were coming and the distance is so far from the border,” Sieng Hai said.
Preah Vihear provincial administration spokesperson Kim Chanpanha said authorities have urged residents to stay away from military positions and be cautious. He said some residents have left Krong Preah Vihear out of fear, although he did not yet have an exact number.
A Thai artillery strike was also reported on the Oddar Meanchey border with Siem Reap province in Anlong Veng district on Thursday evening, according to local media.
Siem Reap deputy governor Sok Tho said the strike was on the Oddar Meanchey side, roughly 42 km from the nearest Thai border and about 100 km from the flashpoint O’Smach area.
Oddar Meanchey provincial spokesperson Met Measpheakdey could not immediately be reached for comment.
When asked about a reported Thai strike near Svay Chek district in Banteay Meanchey province on Thursday, provincial spokesperson Norng Vuth confirmed a strike had occurred but declined to give the specific location, citing “security issues,” and referred questions to the army spokesperson.
Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defense spokesperson Maly Socheata declined to comment on the strikes and referred reporters to the ministry’s Telegram channel for updates.
The Interior Ministry said Friday that civilian and public infrastructure in Preah Vihear continued to suffer damage due to what it described as “Thailand’s intensified shelling and F-16 air strikes,” reportedly targeting infrastructure up to 80-90 km inside Cambodian territory.
Reporters were unable to independently verify other suspected Thai strikes deep inside the province beyond the military base on the outskirts of Krong Preah Vihear.
(Additional reporting by Khuon Narim)
