Displaced Cambodian residents from the latest round of border conflict with Thailand, which erupted on Dec 7, are facing hardships at refugee camps in Preah Vihear Province, Cambodia.
Compared with the previous border conflict, the scale and number of refugee camps in Cambodia are increasing this time, with locations set further away from the border to ensure safety.
About 100 kilometers from the Cambodian-Thai border stand eight refugee camps in Preah Vihear Province, now sheltering over 40,000 refugees - nearly equivalent to the population of a county. Although the camps distribute rice and other food daily, water is only available from temporary wells, which deplete quickly. If the conflict continues, camps may face severe supply shortages.
"I didn’t bring much because the fighting was intense near my hometown. There is a lot that we lack, but there are many refugees, so we can’t blame them," said Khun Mouy, a Cambodian refugee.
"We don’t have many supplies, and we also don’t have money to buy food. Water is also in short supply,” said Heng Sokzhen, another refugee.
Some refugees witnessed civilian casualties during the conflict, and their overwhelming fear prompted them to flee their homes hastily, leaving with almost no personal belongings. Their only hope is to stay safe while fearing further escalation of the conflict.
"On December 8, one person was killed in my hometown, and her husband was also injured," said Ming Mouv, an elderly woman.
"I didn’t have time to take anything. I just grabbed a bit here and there. I was really scared," recalled Phaen Polly, another elderly woman.
On the road leading to the refugee camps, many refugees were seen leaving the border area by tractor. Due to overcrowding in the camps, they can only move further away or seek refuge with their relatives.
"On December 7, I started hearing the roar of guns. Yesterday, it was too loud; we couldn't stay, so we escaped. My wife’s hometown is over there. After dropping them off, I have to go back to guard the house,” said a man.
According to Cambodia's Ministry of Interior, more than 57,000 families with 190,000 civilians have fled their homes for safe shelters due to the border clash.
Thai-Cambodian conflict victims face hardships at refugee camps
Thai-Cambodian conflict victims face hardships at refugee camps
