First Thai civilian dies in Cambodian border attack

Bangkok, Dec 15:  Thailand reported its first civilian death from the renewed border fighting with Cambodia, after a rocket attack on Sunday killed 63-year-old villager Don Patchapan in Sisaket province. The two nations have been clashing over disputed frontier land, including ancient temple sites, since a Dec. 7 skirmish that injured two Thai soldiers. Over the past week, more than two dozen people have been killed on both sides, and over half a million displaced. Cambodia has deployed truck-mounted BM-21 rocket launchers, firing thousands of rockets daily, while Thailand has responded with fighter jet airstrikes. Both sides have also used drones for attacks and surveillance. Villages have suffered extensive damage, with houses destroyed and residents injured. Thailand reports 16 military deaths, while Cambodia disputes casualty numbers. The fighting disrupted a US-brokered ceasefire. Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet hailed his country’s resilience, while Thai officials condemned attacks on civilians as “cruel and inhumane.”