In six days of conflict, border fighting between Thai and Cambodian troops has intensified, as heavy military hardware and more guided anti-aircraft missile units have been deployed by Cambodian troops.
Thai military sources said 22 formidable BM-21 multiple rocket units were now deployed, twice the original number, with three more SAM-3 guided missile units to add to three existing units.The additional weapons, reportedly moved in at the direct orders of Army deputy commander Hun Manet (pictured), son of prime minister Hun Sen, have reportedly been stationed near Preah Vihear temple since late yesterday evening.
"Deployment of SAM-3 and BM-21 units has sent a not-so-good sign and the chance of violent barrage is high, a source said.
According to Thai villagers with Cambodian relatives, Cambodian troops called Thai residents they knew to tell them about the extra weapons and told them to stay away from military or other likely targets.
Hun Manet's role in the fighting has signified the involvement of two highly trained Army units - Special Forces 911 and Security 70 - both of which are under his direct command.
The sources said Hun Manet, holding the rank of general in his early 30's, was reportedly put in charge on the orders of his father to give him combat experience for his military career.
BM-21 units are multiple rocket launchers that can deliver barrages of rockets at targets at greater accuracy and speed than conventional artillery pieces, which have already been deployed in operation areas initially covering Surin province but now expanding to Buri Ram and Si Sa Ket.
Reports said BM-21 units had been deployed near Preah Vihear in Buri Ram. Sources have now confirmed their presence, in addition to their locations and numbers deployed.
Hun Manet and another general are in direct command of all Cambodian troops, while soldiers from other units have been seconded from the frontline, and given fewer weapons than Thai soldiers.
Cambodian troops who are former Khmer Rouge guerrillas try to avoid fights with Thai soldiers due to their "gratitude" to Thailand for giving shelters to Cambodian refugees during the 70's civil war in that country, the sources said.
Propaganda messages on Cambodian government radio channels heard in Thailand have accused Thailand of aggression and invading Cambodian soil. They are calling for reservists to re-enlist and for volunteers to join the fighting.
Nine government hospitals and a number of clinics in Surin, Buri Ram and Si Sa Ket close to military areas of operation have been closed on the orders of the Public Health Ministry, with 27 patients in intensive units transferred elsewhere.
Five mobile medical teams are treating villagers living in 31 shelters - 23 in Surin and eight in Buri Ram. They are treating 7,672 people, including 16 considered suicidal and under close watch, said the ministry.
So far, five Thai soldiers and one Thai civilian have been killed in the conflict, with at least 47 soldiers wounded.
Hatthachai Phengjam, head of business operations at Sa-Ngam border passage in Si Sa Ket, said the conflict was beyond repair militarily and required intervention at the government level. He proposed musical shows and sporting events as a way to normalise relations.
According to an official Interior Ministry damage report, 52,853 Thai residents have been evacuated from 284 villagers in the three provinces. People seeking help or relief supplies can call 1784 around the clock.
Interior Minister Chavarat Charnweerakul said the border fighting should not affect the coming general election.
By THE NATION
Published on April 28, 2011
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