PHNOM PENH / BANGKOK / UNITED NATIONS -- Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Tuesday that Cambodian soldiers have launched counterattacks against Thai soldiers after more than 24 hours of non-retaliation.
Meanwhile, two more Thai soldiers were killed Tuesday in the border dispute, lifting the soldier death toll to three in the renewed conflict, according to the Thai army.
"After more than 24 hours of patience to respect the ceasefire and to evacuate people to safe areas, yesterday evening, last night and this morning, we have retaliated," Hun Sen said in a post on his official social media platform.
Thailand's Second Army Region said on a social media post that Cambodian forces had fired BM-21 multiple-launch rockets into Thailand's borders since 6 am on Tuesday, forcing Thailand to respond.
Cambodian Defense Ministry spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said the Thai army has used heavy and destructive weapons, F-16 fighter jets, and toxic gas to attack Cambodian military positions and civilians since Sunday afternoon until Tuesday morning.
Seven Cambodian civilians were killed and 20 others wounded in the border conflict, she said.
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According to Thai media, fresh border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have forced over 800 schools and many hospitals to temporarily close in Thailand's border provinces.
The Cambodia-Thailand border conflict has reignited since Sunday afternoon. Both sides accused the other of initiating the attack and confirmed casualties.
Thailand vows to continue military operations
Thailand's military operations along the border with Cambodia will continue until its sovereignty and territorial integrity are no longer compromised, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura said on Monday.
Following a briefing to the diplomatic corps, Nikorndej said that Thailand undertakes its actions in response to attacks, defending its decision to launch air strikes against Cambodian positions as an act of self-defense.
All operations must be proportionate, in full compliance with the rules of engagement and international law, and exclusively directed against military targets, he told a news conference.
The spokesperson further said that Thailand's position, including the continuation of military action, will remain unchanged until "Cambodia changes its stance and pursues the path of peace."
377 schools in Cambodia closed
The Cambodian government said on Monday that a total of 377 schools in border provinces have been shut down due to the ongoing border conflict with Thailand.
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"The closure has affected 78,585 students and 3,197 teachers," the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport said in a post on its official Facebook page.
The main affected provinces are Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, and Banteay Meanchey.
Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said on Monday that four innocent Cambodian civilians have been killed in the conflict, with nine others wounded, as tens of thousands of people have fled their homes near the border for safe shelters.
UN chief concerned
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is concerned by reports of renewed armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, particularly the reported airstrikes and mobilization of heavy equipment in the border area, his spokesperson said Monday.
The border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has already resulted in significant civilian casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure, and displacement on both sides of the border, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
The UN chief stresses that both parties must protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian relief, and urges both parties to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation, the spokesperson said.
