BANGKOK, July 25 (TNA) – The Royal Thai Army (RTA) has launched “Operation Yuttha Bodin,” a combined land and air offensive.
General Pana Klaewplodtuk, commander of the counter-Cambodia operations, oversaw the offensive. The Second Army Area Command reported initial successes across 10 border locations, including F-16 airstrikes on Cambodian positions at Chong Aan Mah and Phu Phi Observation Post.
RTA spokesman Major General Winthai Suvaree stated the first day of operations was successful and necessary for self-defense, asserting Thailand had no intention to attack Cambodia. He affirmed RTA actions were legitimate under international law and solely targeted military objectives.
Winthai called for government-level negotiations to resolve the conflict peacefully, noting the detrimental impact on both nations’ citizens. He condemned Cambodian attacks on civilian targets as violating international rules, stressing military operations must be confined to military objectives.
He confirmed F-16 airstrikes as precise, long-range support, part of the justified response. While not providing Cambodian casualty figures, he expressed a desire for a swift end to the operation.
Separately, the RTA reported clashes began around 0400 on Friday in Ubon Ratchathani and Surin provinces, with Cambodian forces using heavy weapons. Thai forces responded with supporting fire, advising civilians to avoid engagement zones. -819 (TNA)
