Thai - Cambodia Conflict Border Violence Escalates: Two-Month-Old Killed in Surin Attack

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Photo via MGR Online

 

In a tragic escalation of tensions, a two-month-old infant has died after rockets fired from Cambodia struck a family home in Surin, Thailand. The BM-21 Grad rockets hit amidst a clash between Thai and Cambodian forces at the disputed Prasat Ta Muen Thom site.

 

Fighting erupted on 24 July at the contentious historical location, with both nations accusing each other of instigating the conflict. Thai border checkpoints and the site had been closed following a prior landmine incident injuring a Thai soldier.

 

The violence led to rockets targeting civilian areas, damaging homes, a local convenience store, and even a hospital. Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health reported that, as of 21:00 yesterday, 13 civilians are confirmed dead, with 32 injured, seven critically. Thai military casualties included one death and 14 injuries.

 

One especially heartrending case involved a family in Surin’s Sangkha district. The rocket blast claimed the life of Thanakorn, just two months old. According to Prai Aimjai, the infant's grandmother, she typically took her grandchildren indoors to watch TV. However, on this fateful day, she had led them outdoors to a paddy field, leaving the home empty.

 

Upon hearing explosions, she returned to find her family and home devastated. Neighbours were seen helping her severely injured family members into a vehicle for emergency care. Despite being rushed to Sangkha Hospital, Thanakorn could not be saved.

 

The attack also injured 12-year-old Thanabordin, 32-year-old Phongsak, and 37-year-old Dararat, adding to the turmoil of those close to the border conflict.

 

Public anguish is further compounded by the widely shared video of an eight-year-old Thai boy who died, bloodied and held by his grieving grandmother, reportedly on their way to desperately seek medical aid. Sadly, he too succumbed to his injuries before reaching help.

 

This dire skirmish has heightened tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, where diplomatic solutions seem elusive amid ongoing accusations. The events have sparked international concern, calling for restraint and dialogue to prevent further tragedy.

 

With regional stability at risk, the international community watches closely, hoping for an end to the violence that has shattered lives and sowed fear among residents on both sides of the border.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-25