THAI residents of Chong Chom border town, Surin province, adjacent to Khmer O’Smach town, Oddar Meanchey province, fear that a third round of fighting could break out between the two countries after their Khmer neighbours started moving their belongings out upon being ordered to not return, Amarin TV said today (Jan. 4).
They also distrust the ceasefire believing there is a high probability of fighting renewing, given Cambodia’s loss of strategic strongholds along the border with Thailand.
It appeared that lots of O’Smach residents had returned to retrieve belongings from their homes and shops yesterday. They had also posted videos of their evacuation with one of them saying in a caption, “Good bye O’Smach, don’t know when I will be able to return.”
Cambodian authorities took this action despite the Thai government having already allowed evacuees to return to their border villages thus fanning fears of more clashes.
Ms. Sirirat Samjai, a general store vendor at Chong Chom border market, said she does not believe Cambodia has stopped fighting and does not trust them.
“We must be prepared to evacuate at any time. We must hold all of Thailand’s territory, we will not give up, we will stand by the soldiers. If Cambodia starts another war, we ask that Thai soldiers do everything possible. Villagers are ready to evacuate, Cambodia already has a plan to stop Cambodian citizens from returning to the area.”
Meanwhile the Second Army Region said the Thai-Cambodian border is politically calm but militarily tense with the ceasefire being used as a facade while behind the scenes, intelligence gathering, troop reinforcement and improvement of fortifications are underway.
The situation remains under a tactical ceasefire, but both sides are reinforcing their positions. Cambodia is focusing on repairing bunkers, boosting troop strength, restocking and tightening intelligence, while Thailand continues to control its territory while watching for hidden threats, including landmines and drone surveillance.
The prohibition of photography and the use of drone surveillance plus data control indicate concern about disclosure of positions and allegations of ceasefire agreement violations. In the short term, the situation is expected to remain a defensive confrontation.
CAPTION:
Top and Front Page – Cambodians leaving O’Smach border town after being ordered to do so. Photos – Amarin TV
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