Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – On the morning of January 10th, accompanied and coordinated by the Governor of Banteay Meanchey Province, Cambodia, Veng Le Thi, representatives from the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense, together with the ASEAN Observer Group (AOT), went to the Cambodian-Thai border to conduct an on-site investigation into the various damages caused by the second incursion of Thai troops into Cambodian territory.
The on-site investigation revealed that during the 21 days of the second armed conflict on the Cambodian-Thai border, Thai troops used heavy weapons to fire numerous missiles and artillery shells into the Ban Teck Khun district of Banteay Meanchey Province. The continuous barrage not only severely damaged key infrastructure such as roads and water and electricity, but also destroyed numerous homes, causing significant property losses to local residents.
In addition to the armed attacks, Thai troops also illegally deployed military containers and erected barbed wire in the disputed areas. The Cambodian side pointed out that this action was not only a blatant violation of Cambodian territorial sovereignty, but also seriously hindered the normal production and lives of border residents, negatively impacting regional stability.
During the inspection, Governor Ong Lek Thi, along with representatives from the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense and the ASEAN observer mission, visited a temporary refugee camp in Thammavong district. It is understood that the camp currently houses over 1,000 families affected by the conflict. These residents were forced to seek refuge here after their homes were occupied by Thai military containers or completely destroyed by artillery fire. The observer mission members meticulously documented the refugees' living conditions at the camp and conducted a preliminary assessment of damaged houses in the border area.
The core purpose of this ASEAN observer mission's on-site visit was to objectively assess the humanitarian impact of the border conflict on civilians. The Cambodian side reiterated during the inspection that maintaining national territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of life and property of border residents are the top priorities. The report resulting from the relevant investigation will serve as an important basis for Cambodia's subsequent handling of border disputes and applications for international assistance.
