BANGKOK, July 24 (TNA) – Thailand’s Public Health Minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, has strongly condemned an attack by Cambodian forces that killed 11 civilians, including two children.
The minister stated the attacks on hospitals and civilian areas were a “serious violation of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.”
The assault, which took place on Thursday afternoon, resulted in 35 civilian casualties and eight soldiers affected. The ministry provided a breakdown of the casualties:
- Surin province: 2 civilians dead (including one 8-year-old child) and 4 injured; 5 soldiers injured.
- Ubon Ratchathani province: 1 civilian dead and 4 injured.
- Si Sa Ket province: 8 civilians dead (including one 15-year-old child) and 15 injured; 1 soldier dead and 2 injured.
- Buriram province: 1 civilian injured.
Somsak specifically highlighted the attack on Phra Nom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin, labeling it a “war crime” and a “red line” that had been crossed. He cited Article 18 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which mandates that civilian hospitals must be protected at all times.
The minister called on Cambodia’s government to immediately take responsibility, cease all hostilities, and provide full compensation. Somsak also vowed that the Thai government would “do everything in its power to protect the dignity of the nation and demand justice for all Thai people,” and pledged to provide the best possible medical care for the injured. -819 (TNA)
