Thailand said its navy joined the army in repelling Cambodian attacks on Saturday, the third day of deadly border clashes
The new naval deployments reflect a deepening of hostilities after three days of violence that have seen Cambodian rocket attacks kill Thai civilians and Thailand’s military employ cluster munitions, artillery fire and F-16 fighter jets.
Both governments have sought to seize control of the narrative, blaming the other for the outbreak of violence and the targeting of civilians, while simultaneously urging the international community to pressure their rival to step back from the brink.
Cambodia’s defence ministry has reported 13 deaths – eight civilians and five soldiers – some killed by “heavy artillery shells” in Pursat province, as thousands of desperate residents fled the fighting by any means available, often in carts or on tractors.
Overnight, the Thai army said five more people had died on Friday, bringing the country’s death toll to 20, including 14 civilians and six military personnel. In total, there have been 33 fatalities from the conflict thus far.
