Displaced Cambodians flee again, and again, as Thai-Cambodia conflict continues

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Displaced civilians dismantling their makeshift shelter at Chroy Neang Ngourn Pagoda in Cambodia to relocate to a safer area on Dec 15.

ST PHOTO: MAY WONG

Summary

• Fierce clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have displaced thousands, forcing them into shelters like pagodas and schools. Some have had to flee, more than others. Aerial bombings on the Cambodian side on Dec 15 sent thousands scattering yet again.
• De-escalation seems unlikely as Thailand gears up for a snap election on Feb 8 and there is more to be gained from continuing than resolving the conflict, experts say.
• International mediation efforts, including from the US and Malaysia, are ongoing but have yielded no results. The ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is set for Dec 22.

AI generated

SIEM REAP - Thousands of displaced civilians on both sides of the disputed areas bordering Thailand and Cambodia have been forced to bolt as fierce clashes continued past a week, seeking shelter wherever they could – in pagodas, schools and hastily set up evacuation centres.

Some have had to flee more than others, as bomb explosions and artillery fire grew uncomfortably close.

Aerial bombings on the Cambodian side on Dec 15 sent thousands scattering yet again, this time heading further inland about 90 minutes away from Srei Snam district, Siem Reap province, towards Siem Reap city.
Until then, at least 2,000 people had been living under pitched tents and on tarpaulin sheets on the grounds of Chroy Neang Ngourn Pagoda after

fierce border clashes