The Ministry of Interior has released the results of a forensic examination of a Cambodian civilian who was shot dead by Thai soldiers on November 12.
The report was released to silence several Thai media outlets which have suggested that the incident was faked and that no deaths were recorded.
In a November 14 press release, the ministry noted that the wounds were consistent with 5.56mm rounds, the calibre of an M16 rifle, the standard issue weapon of the Thai army.
Dy Nai, 36, was killed in the shooting, which took place in Banteay Meanchey province’s Prey Chan village. Three other civilians were wounded and are now recovering at Calmette Hospital in Phnom Penh.
“The forensic examination found a 5mm skin abrasion on the head of the deceased, and an elongated laceration measuring 2×3 cm on the left side of the chest, entering the body obliquely from left to right. A bullet was lodged under the skin on the right side of the back, above the ribs,” said the ministry.
A bullet was surgically removed in the presence of ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) members. It was noted that the bullet was a single projectile, with a diameter of 5.56mm and a length of 23mm, featuring six rifling grooves (right twist).
“A bullet penetrated his lungs, severing major blood vessels, and another bullet was lodged in the right side of the back of the deceased,” said the ministry.
The forensic committee further determined that three Cambodian citizens were injured at a location approximately 100 meters from the Thai armed forces position. Nai was shot dead at a second location, approximately 180 meters from the Thai soldiers. It was noted that the soldiers fired at the same targets from two separate locations.
