Thailand Condemns Cambodian Rocket Attack on Civilian Village
Bangkok says the strike deliberately targeted non-military areas, killing a civilian and destroying homes
The Thai government has strongly condemned what it says was a deliberate Cambodian attack on civilians after rocket fire struck a residential village in Si Sa Ket province, killing one person and damaging multiple homes.
According to Thai officials, BM-twenty-one rocket rounds were fired into Ban Nong Mek, located in Moo Four of the Sao Thong Chai subdistrict in Kantharalak district.
One civilian was killed, believed to have been hit by shrapnel near the front of Nong Mek School.
In the same incident, a house caught fire after being struck and was completely destroyed.
Several other homes were damaged by shrapnel.
Thai authorities stressed that the area hit had no connection to any military operation.
Residents had already been evacuated, a step that prevented further casualties.
Fire engines were dispatched and emergency services coordinated to control the blaze and secure the area.
Siripong, speaking on behalf of the Thai government, said the incident was reported directly by the village head of Moo Four and rejected any suggestion that the strike was accidental.
He said attacks on civilian communities are unacceptable under international norms and stated that this incident was deliberate, not an unintended error as Cambodia has often claimed in the past.
Thai officials emphasised that targeting civilian villages, schools, and homes represents a serious escalation and violates basic principles of international humanitarian conduct.
They reiterated that the affected civilians were ordinary residents with no involvement in hostilities.
The government said it would continue to document incidents affecting civilians and raise concerns through appropriate channels, while reaffirming its responsibility to protect Thai communities along the border.
The attack has deepened concerns in Bangkok over Cambodia’s conduct and the growing risk posed to civilians living near the frontier.