Envoys Tour Thai Strike Zone as 3,900 Cambodians Displaced

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KT

 

Thousands remain displaced in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province following Thai airstrikes late last month, as foreign diplomats toured the devastated area on Thursday in a show of concern and solidarity.

 

Led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, the delegation of envoys from 22 countries and four international organisations visited some of the worst-hit sites, including the village of Thmor Daun and the historic Prasat Ta Moan Sen Chey pagoda—both damaged during the July 24–28 clashes between Cambodian and Thai forces.

 

Thai MK-84 bombs reportedly struck homes, schools and religious sites in Kok Mon commune before a ceasefire was reached, leaving behind charred buildings and a traumatised population. A Buddhist clergyman was killed in the strikes, and one school building now lies in ruins.

 

The visit also included a stop at Wat Kombor in Samraong City, where nearly 4,000 families displaced by the fighting have sought shelter. Most, officials say, are still too afraid to return home.

 

“The majority of these families have not been able to go back, as conditions remain unsafe,” said Chorn Phallin, Deputy Governor of Samraong.

Te Samleng, 64, a resident of one of the camps, voiced her fears. “I’m worried about going back,” she said, “but we also don’t have enough food here. We need safety. We need the war to end.”

 

Though no new clashes have been reported since the ceasefire, tension remains high along the border. The rare visit by international observers highlights growing concern over the humanitarian fallout and the potential for renewed conflict.

 

As Cambodia seeks international support and diplomatic pressure on Thailand to prevent further escalation, the question now is whether fragile calm can hold—and when the displaced will finally return home.

 

-2025-08-02