Thailand's Deputy PM: Cambodia Fires Rockets Targeted By Civilians

JAKARTA - Deputy Prime Minister who is also the acting Manteri Thailand, Phumtham Wechayachai, said Cambodia carried out a series of missile attacks on Thailand without selecting targets to injure many civilians.

"Camboja opened fire on Thai territory with a series of rockets without selecting targets. As a result, most of those killed and injured were civilians," Wechayachai said on Thursday, July 24, reported by ANTARA from Sputnik/RIA Novosti-OANA.

Thailand and Cambodia have yet to declare war, but Bangkok has prepared the necessary steps to protect its citizens and territory.

Meanwhile, reports stating Cambodia shot down Thai F-16 milliliter fighters are called lies, Thailand's daily report Khaosod, citing the country's air force.

Mutual attacks between troops of the two countries on the border between Thailand and Cambodia on Thursday, which began with a shootout between ground troops in disputed areas.

Local news agencies said the dead and injured occurred on both sides, including civilians.

Authorities in four Thai provinces bordering Cambodia have announced the evacuation of residents amid the escalation.