[Thai] Troops still reeling after fierce clashes

Thanapol: We came under heavy fire

A soldier from the Northeast holds up a sheet of cloth inscribed with a yantra given by a monk who travelled from Bangkok to offer the talisman to boost the morale of troops deployed in the border area. WASSANA NANUAM

Writer: Wassana Nanuam
Published: 10/02/2011
Bangkok Post

Soldiers recall attempted takeover of their hilly base

Thai troops stationed in the disputed border area say they came under sustained rocket and mortar fire as a prelude to an attempt by Cambodian troops to seize their post.

The troops recalled their ordeal yesterday as they relaxed under the ceasefire order and recovered from the minor wounds many sustained.

Sub Lt Thanapol Sukprasert, leader of the 2312 Rifle Platoon from Nakhon Ratchasima, said Cambodian soldiers not only fired rounds from BM-21 122mm multiple rocket launchers and 120mm mortars at the Thai troops in Saturday's major attack but they also raided a Thai military post in the 4.6-square-kilometre disputed area.

"About 40 Cambodian troops raided our base, starting by shelling us with the 120mm mortars," Sub Lt Thanapol said.

The Thai soldiers have been stationed for some time northwest of Preah Vihear temple in a hilly area known by the Cambodian name of "Satta Som".

"The Cambodian troops aimed to take over Satta Som," Sub Lt Thanapol said.

He said that during the clashes, the Cambodians fired rockets and mortar shells which produced a thunderous noise and powerful reverberations that caused him chest pains.

Shrapnel hit him in the right cheek, piercing it, and hurt a middle finger.

"I still have to do my duty as platoon leader and will not abandon my subordinates. We have to fight to protect our land," he said.

Sub Lt Thanapol is from Surin and a member of Class 41 of Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy, graduating not all that long ago.

This was his first experience of a real battle.

Sgt Maj 1st Class Phaisal Cherdchu, 48, who is from Roi Et and a member of an artillery unit that has just left the Phu Ma Khua area, said the clashes were the most serious he has experienced.

Sgt Maj Phaisal was also involved in the battle at the Chong Bok area in Surin.

"Several hundred rockets and artillery shells were fired at us, creating a loud noise and choking smoke," he said.

The Thai troops retaliated, firing off as many rounds as were fired at them.

Sgt Maj Phaisal, who wears a necklace with an amulet from Luang Pu Chiam, a revered monk in Ubon Ratchathani, said he had left the disputed area for a short break and would go back soon.

The army said Sgt Thanakorn Pholpherm, who died in hospital on Tuesday from wounds received on Sunday when the fighting resumed, would be promoted to the rank of major and his family would be helped by the army.