An increasing number of residents along the Thailand–Cambodia border are seeking refuge in government-run shelters as fresh violence in the renewed conflict forces evacuations.
Less than two months after Thailand and Cambodia signed a joint peace declaration, border clashes erupted again on December 7. Artillery fire was reported in several areas, prompting residents in multiple provinces to evacuate. Both sides accused the other of initiating the attacks and confirmed casualties.
As of Saturday morning, more than 260,000 Thai civilians had taken shelter in evacuation camps, with seven civilian deaths confirmed.
Located more than 50 kilometers from the Thailand–Cambodia border, the largest temporary shelter in Thailand's Buriram Province has received around 10,000 evacuees.
Conditions inside the shelter were calm, with military personnel deployed at key areas to patrol and maintain security. At supply distribution points, loudspeaker announcements informed residents when to collect drinking water, food and other basic necessities.
Piya Pijnam, governor of Buriram, said most residents from areas directly affected by the clashes had been evacuated, with the cumulative total estimated at between 40,000 and 50,000.
"This center has experience hosting evacuees from the initial clashes on July 24. It can accommodate tens of thousands of people and provides toilets, accommodation, three meals a day and medical services. It is far enough from the border that Cambodian artillery shells cannot reach it, ensuring safety, with sufficient personnel and facilities in place," he said.
Six relatively independent residential zones had been established, and many evacuees were seen resting inside or outside their tents. Medical stations and consultation centers were also set up, with staff registering needs and coordinating the replenishment of supplies.
Those who fled their homes said they were eager to return as soon as possible.
"Our family of five is staying together at this shelter. The food and living conditions here are quite good. We really want to go home. Even though it's comfortable here, we're worried about our house, our cattle and livestock, our pets, and the vegetables in our garden," said one evacuee.
More residents flee to shelters as fighting flares along Thailand–Cambodia border
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's political stunts both at home and abroad cannot whitewash Japan's World War II (WWII) aggression, but instead expose the schemes of the country's far-right forces to incite bloc confrontation and promote remilitarization, says a China Media Group commentary published on Sunday.
An edited English version of the commentary is as follows:
In recent days, Takaichi has faced fierce criticism both domestically and internationally.
Her political stunt of kneeling in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Australian Soldier to lay flowers at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra during her visit to Australia further exposed her multiple political calculations to the international community.
Choosing to kneel in front of a tomb in Australia, Takaichi was not regretting for Japan's aggression and atrocities during World War II.
This act not only reveals the distorted world outlook of Japanese politicians, but also exposes their attempts to mislead public opinion, whitewash the crimes of WWII aggression, instigate bloc confrontation, and push for military buildup.
From "fawning diplomacy" during her U.S. visit in March to the recent kneeling show during her visit to Australia in May, Takaichi has been trying to cultivate a friendly image towards the West.
Geopolitically speaking, Japan's far-right forces are trying to expand their military and breach from the restraints of the pacifist constitution by exaggerating external threats. To this end, they are making every effort to exploit geopolitical conflicts and draw neighboring countries, especially Western countries, into bloc confrontation.
Since the end of WWII, Japanese leaders have never apologized to the people of victim countries such as China, the Republic of Korea, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Many Japanese politicians have even tried every means to justify the war crimes.
In particular, Takaichi has questioned the 1995 Murayama Statement, denied the Nanjing Massacre, visited the notorious Yasukuni Shrine annually for many consecutive years, and revived military rank titles during WWII, such as "taisa."
On the issue of Japan's history of aggression, Takaichi's insidious move cannot deceive the world.
Takaichi's political stunts both at home and abroad are a provocation against WWII victim countries in Asia and other regions.
This cannot conceal Japan's remilitarization attempt or the reality that " neo-militarism" is spreading and becoming a threat.
All countries that have suffered from Japanese militarist aggression should remain highly vigilant and united, and work together to safeguard the outcomes of WWII victory, so that historical tragedies never repeat themselves.
Takaichi's political stunts cannot whitewash Japan's history of aggression, remilitarization attempt: commentary
