Heavy Clashes Rock Surin Border; Thousands Flee
SURIN, Dec 8 (TNA) - Heavy fighting erupted along the Thailand-Cambodia border in Surin province early Monday, prompting the mass evacuation of residents and the closure of local hospitals.
Clashes, which began around 7:00 AM local time, stretched from Chong Chom to strategic points near the Ta Kwai and Ta Muean Thom temples.
The intense shelling has led to the immediate closure of Phanom Dong Rak and Kap Choeng hospitals, with patients transferred to safer areas.
Authorities are pushing for a near 100% evacuation of civilians from Phanom Dong Rak district, leaving behind only essential security volunteers.
Officials estimate over 32,000 people in Surin province alone have been evacuated to 123 centers capable of holding up to 120,000 people.
The military reported a success, stating Thai forces destroyed a Cambodian supply cable car near Ta Kwai temple to cut logistics.
Officials and local observers anticipate that the current round of fighting will be heavier than previous clashes in July.
