Cambodian officials today accused Thailand of conducting an airstrike deep within Cambodian territory. The Cambodian Ministry of Defense reported that a Thai T-50 training aircraft dropped 4 bombs on a village in Banan district, Battambang province. Battambang Governor Sok Lu later specified the target as the Phnom Sampov residential area, located about 60 km from the border.

Cambodian officials have not yet announced any casualties or damages related to the incident. This alleged airstrike occurred just a few hours before a scheduled meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Committee this afternoon.

The Royal Thai Air Force has not commented on the information.

Location of the Phnom Sampov residential area. Graphics: *BBC*.

The alleged deployment of the T-50TH aircraft follows an announcement by Royal Thai Air Force Deputy Commander Prapas Sornjaidee on 22/12. He stated that Thailand had deployed T-50TH training aircraft to participate in the conflict with Cambodia. "The T-50TH aircraft from the 401st Squadron has coordinated with F-16 and Gripen fighter jets, demonstrating the level of synergy after years of our planning for joint operations," he said.

Thailand's decision to deploy the T-50TH in combat aimed to expand the aircraft's role, shifting it from training to ground support and high-intensity operations.

The T-50 aircraft, designed and manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), has seen a total of 200 units produced. The T-50 program initially aimed to develop jet training aircraft for F-16 and F-15 pilot training; however, KAI later introduced the TA-50 attack variant and the FA-50 light fighter, which can carry more weapons than the original model.

T-50TH training aircraft performing at an event in Don Mueang, Thailand on 8/3. *Photo: RTAF*.

The T-50 features a two-person crew, a maximum speed of over 1,800 km/h, and a service ceiling of 14,000 m. The aircraft is equipped with a 20 mm rotary cannon with 205 rounds of ammunition. It also has 7 hardpoints capable of carrying air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, bombs, targeting pods, and radar.

The Royal Thai Air Force currently operates 14 aircraft from the T-50 series, including 10 original T-50s and 4 FA-50 fighter jets. It is unclear which specific aircraft type Thailand deployed for the conflict with Cambodia.

Clashes re-erupted this month, resulting in at least 23 people killed in Thailand and 21 in Cambodia. Over 900,000 residents in both countries have been evacuated. Forces from both sides continued to exchange fire in the disputed area as of this morning.

Nguyen Tien (According to *Phnompenh Post*, *Nation Thailand*, *AP*)