Surin: A timeline of events has been released by the Thai Army detailing the escalation of conflict on the Thai-Cambodian border in Surin Province on July 27, 2015. Major General Witai Laithomya, spokesman for the Royal Thai Army Headquarters, disclosed the sequence of events highlighting the intense military exchange between the two countries.

According to Thai News Agency, the conflict began at approximately 04:30 to 04:40 hours when gunfire was reported from the Cambodian side, targeting the ‘Prasat Ta Kwai’ area within Thai territory. This initial exchange of fire rapidly escalated, spreading to the ‘Chong Chom’ area, with both sides engaging in intermittent gunfire.

By 05:30 hours, the situation intensified as BM-21 rockets were fired from the Cambodian side towards Thai positions. In response, Thai forces deployed their own weaponry to retaliate against the incoming fire.

The conflict further escalated at 06:40 hours when artillery shells from the Cambodian side struck residential areas in Surin Province, leading to the outbreak of fires. The aggression continued as, by 07:50 hours, Cambodian military forces launched BM-21 rockets into the Chong Chom District, causing damage to several houses.