Cambodia's Ministry of Defense reported that the Thai army continued to launch attacks this morning on areas including Prey Chan, Preah Vihear temple, Tathav, and Mount Kham. They accused Thai forces of shelling Ta Moan and Chubkakir from around 5 AM, and targeting Preah Vihear temple, Tathav, and Mount Kham until nearly 7 AM. The Thma Da area in Pursat province remained quiet.

Meanwhile, Thailand's 2nd Army Region stated on the afternoon of 23/12 that Cambodian forces used mortars, artillery, and BM-21 rockets to attack its forward positions. Thai soldiers returned fire, destroying several targets.

Military personnel inspect a damaged bridge after a Thai airstrike in Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia on 20/12. *AFP*

Clashes also continued in the Pha Mo I Daeng - Huai Ta Maria area. The Cambodian army was accused of using infantry weapons, recoilless rifles, mortars, and artillery, with some shells landing in rubber plantations and around Ban Sam Meng and Ban Phumisorn in Si Sa Ket province.

Cambodian soldiers also fired rockets near Phu Makuea peak and Phlan Hin Paet Kon, as well as Hill 350 and Ta Kwai, according to the 2nd Army Region.

The clashes persisted as both sides agreed on 22/12 to negotiate ceasefire terms on 24/12. Cambodia proposed Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as a neutral venue for dialogue, but Thailand's Ministry of Defense rejected it, stating negotiations would proceed in the border province of Chanthaburi as planned.

Locations of border provinces between Thailand and Cambodia. *BBC*

"We assure Chanthaburi is safe. This province was chosen as the venue for the Joint Border Committee (GBC) meeting before clashes erupted", noted Surasant Kongsiri, spokesperson for Thailand's Ministry of Defense.

He added that GBC officials are expected to convene from 24-27/12, and whether the meeting takes place depends on the Cambodian side. A Cambodian government official told AFP that they had not been updated on information regarding the negotiation venue.

Renewed clashes this month have killed at least 23 people in Thailand and 21 in Cambodia, displacing over 900,000 residents in both countries.

Pham Giang (According to AFP, Nation Thailand, Khmer Times)