Bangkok [Thailand], December 16: Fighting in the border area between Thailand and Cambodia entered its second week on December 15, with Cambodia accusing Thailand of bombing deep into its territory and near shelters for displaced people.
According to AP on December 15, citing information from relevant Cambodian ministries , Thai F-16 fighter jets dropped two bombs at around 10 a.m. in areas near refugee camps in Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces.
The bombing in Srei Snam district of Siem Reap province , more than 70 km from the Cambodian border, targeted a bridge, according to Cambodian authorities. The province is home to the world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the country's biggest tourist attraction.
In a press conference, when asked about the attack, Thai Air Force spokesman Jackkrit Thammavichai said that "according to international law and rules of engagement, military targets are not determined based on distance from the border."
"In fact, it is determined based on the characteristics and intended use of that facility for military purposes," according to Jackkrit.
He said that the Thai air force complied with international law by not targeting civilians and that the December 15 operation did not affect nearby Cambodian civilians.
Thai officials also said they were trying to cut off Cambodia's supply of fuel and weapons, but denied reports that they would establish a full-scale naval blockade.
These officials also stated that fuel and weapons would no longer be allowed to be transported through the major land border crossing with neighboring Laos, located near Cambodian territory , and declared that military supplies and logistical support must be cut off.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
