Thai - Cambodia Conflict Cambodian Shelling Damages Rural Health Centre in Sisaket Border Clash

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

A rural health centre in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province, suffered extensive damage after being struck by Cambodian artillery during border clashes on 26 July. The shelling, which occurred at approximately 15:30, caused near-total destruction of medical equipment and significant structural damage to the Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital (Ror Por Sor) in Saotongchai.

 

Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported, as the facility had already been evacuated due to prior hostilities in the area near the disputed Preah Vihear border zone. Medical staff, patients and most local residents had fled following ongoing exchanges of fire between Thai and Cambodian forces.

 

When local reporters visited the scene on 27 July, they described a ghost town atmosphere. Sporadic artillery fire could still be heard in the distance, and the surrounding area appeared deserted. Only a handful of village defence volunteers (Chor Ror Bor) and local administrative officers remained on duty.

 

Military sources stated that Cambodia has not ceased attacks and continues to deploy heavy weaponry indiscriminately across the border. The Royal Thai Army has accused the Cambodian side of intentionally targeting civilian infrastructure outside of recognised military zones.

 

A field assessment of the damaged facility revealed artillery rounds had pierced the building, shattering windows, blowing doors off hinges and crushing much of the remaining medical equipment that had not been removed in time. Portions of the structure have begun to collapse due to the force of the explosions, and the lingering smell of gunpowder remains thick in the air.

 

A local Chor Ror Bor volunteer described the event as devastating: “The health centre is a lifeline for villagers. It should have been protected, but instead, it became a target. The shelling spared nothing, not even essential services meant to care for the sick.”

 

The attack has drawn concern over violations of international humanitarian norms, which prohibit the targeting of civilian facilities, particularly healthcare infrastructure.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-07-28