Surin,Thailand – Two civilians were killed and several injured following shelling along the Thai-Cambodian border in Surin province on February 21,2024. the incident prompted a swift response from Surin provincial authorities, who are providing aid to affected communities and assessing the extent of the damage.
The fatalities have been identified as Mr. Somchat Suphandee, 51, of 35 Moo 1, Ta Ming Subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak District, who died of heart failure perhaps exacerbated by the stress of the situation, and Mr. Thawatchai Rattanasongkram, 60, a resident of Bak Dai Subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak District. Mr. rattanasongkram sustained injuries to his face and body from shattered glass. Injuries were also reported among other villagers.
The unrest originated near the border, and Surin officials received a briefing on the situation from Mr. Chamnan Chuenta, a representative from Surin Province, regarding the impact on residents. A team from the surin Department visited shelters established at Surin Rajabhat University to offer support to displaced individuals and military personnel stationed there.They then proceeded to Kap Choeng District to gather information from local leaders, including mr. sittiroj Charoen Thanasak, the Mr. Kap Choeng.
The team, accompanied by Deputy Governor of Surin, Mr. Wasan Chingchana, inspected damage at House No. 159, Village No. 2, Joe, Dan Subdistrict, Kap Choeng District. The home housed two grandchildren, an 8-year-old boy and a 34-year-old man, both of whom were among those injured. Mr. Sutiboon Dress, 60, the guardian of the 8-year-old, recounted the events leading up to the shelling. Investigators examined remnants of a BM21 rocket and the resulting damage to the house and nearby rice paddies.
The injured are currently receiving medical care at surin Hospital, while the bodies of the deceased are being held at a local mortuary pending customary cremation ceremonies. Authorities have recovered remnants of at least 16 BM21 rockets, with some still undergoing examination. the rockets reportedly fell across the village and into the Thung Narab area, impacting 16 villages in total.
Surin officials engaged with villagers to understand their immediate needs and challenges.These concerns will be presented at an upcoming Senate meeting to explore potential solutions and aid packages. The province also donated over 40,000 face masks to military officers stationed at the 25th Army Headquarters (Sor. 25).
Context: Thai-Cambodian Border Disputes
The Thai-Cambodian border has been a source of intermittent tension for decades, primarily centered around the Preah Vihear Temple complex. While the International Court of Justice (ICJ) awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, disputes over the surrounding territory have persisted.Shelling incidents, though infrequent in recent years, highlight the ongoing sensitivity of the border region. The current incident raises concerns about potential escalation and the need for continued diplomatic efforts to resolve outstanding territorial issues. The BM21 rocket system is a Soviet-designed 122mm multiple rocket launcher, known for its indiscriminate area effect, raising questions about the targeting and intent behind its use.The thai military maintains a notable presence along the border to ensure security and prevent further incursions.