Cambodia Restricts Flights Over Conflict Zones Near Thailand

Flight Restrictions Imposed by Cambodia

Phnom Penh, July 26: Cambodia's State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) announced on Saturday a ban on flights traversing conflict zones adjacent to Thailand, according to a spokesperson.

Sinn Chanserey Vutha, the SSCA's secretary of state, indicated that all airlines have been instructed to steer clear of these conflict areas, which now include Poipet City, Pailin province, and parts of Siem Reap province.

"All flights are required to avoid these airspaces, and aircraft must maintain an altitude of at least 1,200 meters above sea level," he stated in an audio message to the media.

Vutha emphasized that these precautions are in place to safeguard flight operations and ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft.

As of 10 a.m. local time on July 26, international flights from Phnom Penh to Bangkok and from Siem Reap to Bangkok were operating normally, with planes adjusting their routes to bypass the restricted airspaces.

Reports indicate ongoing clashes in various regions along the Thailand-Cambodia border, with Cambodian forces reportedly using heavy artillery and BM-21 rocket systems for bombardment.

In response, Thai forces provided appropriate supporting fire based on the tactical situation and warned local civilians to stay away from the conflict zones.

On Friday morning, artillery fire was again reported near the border, as per the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand, citing a local official in Surin province.

As of 9:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, the deputy spokesperson of the Thai Ministry of Public Health reported that 14 Thai nationals had lost their lives and 46 others were injured due to military confrontations near the border.

Met Meas Pheakdey, deputy governor of Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province, informed Xinhua via telephone that one villager was killed and five others injured on Thursday when artillery shells from the Thai side struck Cambodian territory.