Lives on hold: Cambodian civilians speak out in the face foreign military occupation

Residents of Prey Chan village gather belongings left behind after Thai military shelling for transportation to a safe centre. - PPP

PHNOM PENH: In Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages along Cambodia’s north-western border, the marks of the Dec 7-27 fighting are visible in damaged homes, abandoned fields and wandering livestock.

But residents say the deeper impact came when parts of their villages were entered and occupied by Thai soldiers, leaving civilians trapped in fear, displacement and uncertainty.