Thai military spokesperson Winthai Suvaree stated today that Thai forces "have achieved 99% of their objectives" in the conflict with Cambodia. However, the Thai military has not yet taken control of the Ta Kwai temple, also known as Ta Krabey, but has deployed forces around the area.

"Despite not fully securing the area, the Thai military has expanded its control zone with direct fire. Our ultimate goal is to capture Hill 350, a strategically significant position with considerable military importance. However, Thai forces do not yet have a permanent presence there," he said.

The Ta Kwai/Ta Krabey temple area. Graphics: Bangkok Post

According to General Suvaree, the terrain of Hill 350 is significantly different from the surrounding area and a large number of landmines remain, posing challenges for Thai military operations.

In the final stages of the operation, Thai units attempted to seize Hill 350 and the nearby Ta Kwai peak, but were unsuccessful. "Although we don't have a permanent presence at Ta Kwai yet, we have gained more territory than before," Suvaree said.

Thailand's Second Army Area stated on 31/7 that they were unable to capture Hill 350 near Ta Kwai temple due to the ceasefire that came into effect two days prior. They claimed to have detected Cambodian troop reinforcements along the border and unidentified drones monitoring Thai positions.

Cambodian officials have not commented on these reports.

Military vehicles move along a road in Buriram province, Thailand on 25/7. Photo: Reuters

The Ta Kwai/Ta Krabey temple is located on the Dangrek Mountains, about 12 km east of the Ta Moan Thom temple. The temple covers an area of approximately 900 m2 and was built in the 11th century to worship the Hindu god Shiva, but remains unfinished as much of the exterior of the central tower is uncarved.

Fighting between Cambodia and Thailand erupted near the Ta Moan Thom temple on the morning of 24/7 and later spread to other areas along the border. This was the most serious clash between the two neighbors in over 10 years, resulting in a total of 38 deaths, including 25 in Thailand and 13 in Cambodia.

The location of the Ta Kwai/Ta Krabey temple and other disputed temples between Cambodia and Thailand. Graphics: CNA

Cambodia and Thailand reached a ceasefire agreement on 28/7, following negotiations in Malaysia facilitated by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Military leaders from both countries agreed not to deploy additional troops or move forces along the border to implement the ceasefire.

However, Thailand has repeatedly accused Cambodia of violating the agreement and attacking their positions. Phnom Penh has denied these allegations, asserting adherence to the ceasefire and accusing Bangkok of "fabricating and creating misunderstandings".

Nguyen Tien (After Khmer Times, Bangkok Post, AFP, AP)