Thailand claims control of two border passes with Cambodia

The Thai military announced it has secured two strategic border passes with Cambodia and is now concentrating forces for an assault on a third objective.

A spokesperson for Thailand's 2nd Army Region announced on December 11 that operational units have secured the areas surrounding the Chong Rayi and Chong Plod Tang passes, located between Surin province in Thailand and Oddar Meanchey province in Cambodia.

These two passes, situated on the Dangrek mountain range, have been flashpoints in the five-day border conflict between the Thai and Cambodian armies. Following their capture, Thai soldiers established outposts and implemented measures to prevent counterattacks from Cambodian forces.

The 2nd Army Region reported that the offensive at Chong Khana, the remaining strategic pass in the area, is progressing as planned, with Thai forces having seized several key objectives. Securing Chong Khana would enable the Thai military to impede Cambodia's deployment and movement of heavy weaponry in the region.

The Thai forces also stated they are coordinating with local authorities and civilian defense units to patrol and establish checkpoints, ensuring security in rear areas, protecting civilian property, and preventing espionage. After five days of escalating border conflict, the Thai military maintains it is only targeting Cambodian military objectives "within the framework of self-defense and in accordance with rules of engagement".

Thai infantry and armor at the Cambodia border area on December 10. Photo: X/ArmyMilitaryHD

Phnom Penh has not yet commented on reports of the Thai military controlling the border passes. In an update on the conflict this morning, Cambodia's Ministry of Defense accused its neighbor of continuously "violating legally recognized territory", breaching a peace agreement signed by the leaders of both nations in October.

Maly Socheata, spokesperson for Cambodia's Ministry of Defense, stated that the Thai military launched a preemptive attack this morning in areas belonging to Cambodia's 4th and 5th Military Regions, "mobilizing overwhelming numbers" and employing heavy weaponry.

Starting at 4:40 AM, Thailand shelled the Prasat Khna area in Oddar Meanchey province. The Cambodian Ministry of Defense spokesperson accused the Thai military of firing into the Prey Chan residential area in Banteay Meanchey province at 7:52 AM, calling it an indiscriminate attack and a serious violation of international humanitarian law.

Casualties on both sides have reached at least 19 people during this conflict, including military personnel and civilians, according to AFP statistics based on official statements from both countries. Hundreds of thousands of civilians in border areas of Thailand and Cambodia have been forced to evacuate.