Thailand opposes the market construction in Preah Vihear again

07 August 2009
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

The bad Thailand is still unhappy that Cambodia is rebuilding the market on Cambodian territories [near Preah Vihear temple]. Thailand sent another letter on 06 August asking anew that Cambodia negotiates with Thailand to end the construction of the market located at the bottom of the ancient stair steps to the Preah Vihear temple. Thailand accuses Cambodia of violating the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) concluded between the two countries. An official from the Preah Vihear authority told Koh Santepheap news that Thailand still demands for a negotiation to end the construction of the market, but Cambodia cannot stop it according to Thailand’s letter as the construction abides by Cambodian law, and the rebuilding is done so that people who used to trade here can restart their businesses. UNESCO did not prevent Cambodia either because the region is on Cambodian territories, and Cambodian people built their homes on this Cambodian lands before the MOU was concluded in 2000, therefore Cambodia will continue the market building as planned. Between June and August 2009, this is the 4th time that Thailand sent their protest letters against the rebuilding of the market.

Situation in Preah Vihear unchanged

August 6, 2009
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

On 05 August, an information source from Preah Vihear temple indicated that the situation is unchanged in regards to the rebuilding of the market located at the bottom of the stair step to the temple. Army official stationed at the front headquarter indicated that Thailand sent its letter to Cambodia once only, then they followed up with Icom (radio) and telephone contact to ask for a negotiation meeting about the construction of this market. The Cambodian side told its Thai counterpart that, if they want to talk about the rebuilding of this market, it is no use meeting each other because the market rebuilding does not affect the MOU (concluded between Hun Sen and Thailand in 2001), nor does it affect Thai territory because the market is located inside Cambodia, and it belongs to Cambodian people in the past. The market was shelled and burnt down to the ground by Thai troops, therefore its reconstruction by Cambodia does not involve Thailand. The same army official said that, in truth, Thailand should pay for the damage as requested by Cambodia.

Bangkok probes payout claim [-Kasit's all talk no action?]

Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya, speaking to reporters during a reception at the Thai ambassador's residence Thursday. (Photo by: SOVANN PHILONG)

Monday, 01 June 2009
Written by Sebastian Stragio and Cheang Sokha
The Phnom Penh Post

Thai FM says Thailand investigating Cambodian compensation demands following the destruction of market in border clashes.

THE Thai government is in the process of investigating Cambodian requests for compensation following recent border skirmishes near Preah Vihear temple, according to Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya.

"I have already received the diplomatic notice from Cambodia and ordered involved institutions to investigate on this issue," he told reporters at the Thai ambassador's residence Thursday.

On May 11, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a diplomatic note to Thailand demanding US$2.1 million in compensation for the market near Preah Vihear temple, destroyed when clashes broke out on April 3. The government blames Thai rocket fire for the blaze, which engulfed 264 stalls.

Previously, Kasit was quoted in quoted by the Bangkok-based newspaper The Nation as rejecting the Cambodian claims, arguing the buildings sat on Thai territory and were destroyed in a legitimate military engagement.

But he indicated Thursday that the Thais would reassess the issue.

"...WE WOULD LIKE TO FORGE AND INTENSIFY BILATERAL COOPERATION IN EVERY WAY."

"First we have to look at the market, where it is situated, and the damage ... caused from the gunfire between Cambodian and Thai soldiers," he said.

But Moeung Sonn, president of the Khmer Civilisation Foundation, a local NGO that has lobbied for compensation from the Thai government, said that more than 300 Cambodians had lost their homes and livelihoods, regardless of where the market was situated.

"We have demanded damage compensation. We aren't talking about where the market was situated, but are focusing on the properties destroyed by the Thai soldiers," he said Sunday.

In a May 6 report on the border incident, the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights argued that the Thai action served no reasonable military function and that senior Thai leaders could be guilty of violating international law.

Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Council of Ministers, said Kasit's announcement was welcome since the country had a basic obligation to investigate the Cambodian claims, but did not comment further.

"No one can get away from their obligations under international law," he said.

In response to suggestions that domestic political turbulence had complicated Thai stances on border issues, Kasit said Bangkok was serious about resolving border conflicts, which would move forward on a "technical" basis free from political interference.

"[W]e have proven to the Thai public and also to the international community - especially to the neighbouring countries - that we are a serious government and that we would like to forge and intensify bilateral cooperation in every way," he said.

"I would like my Cambodian friends to rest assured [about] the sense of purpose and seriousness on our part to push the relationship forward."

Cambodia's damages claim 'can be settled' [... so claims Anupong Paojinda]

15/05/2009
BangkokPost.com

Army chief Anupong Paojinda is confident that Thailand can negotiate with Cambodia after the neighbouring country demanded Thailand to pay 70 million baht for damage caused to a merket in fatal border clashes last month.

Gen Anupong also said he believes the demand comes from private sectors, not from the Cambodian government.

He said military officers of both sides can work together very well, thus he believes the issue can be solved.

According to reports, the Cambodian Foreign Ministry demanded US$2,150,000 for 319 Cambodian families who have lost their livelihood after 264 stands within the market were completely destroyed.

The clashes on April 3 took place near the ancient Preah Vihear temple area. Three Thai soldiers were killed and a Cambodian market next to the temple ruins was burned down when Thai forces fired rockets over the border.

Sacrava's Political Cartoon: Bt 75M Compensation

Cartoon by Sacrava (on the web at http://sacrava.blogspot.com)

If Cambodians illegally occupied Thai territories, why didn't Thailand react for the past few decades? Is Thailand that dumb?

April border clash site is on Thai territory : Thai FM spokesman

Wed, May 13, 2009
The Nation

Cambodia could not ask for compensation from Thailand for border clash in April because the clash site is on the Thai territory, Thai Foreign Ministry's spokesman Tharit Jarungwat said.

The clash site is on Thai territory which was illegally occupied by Cambodian civilians, he said, adding the Thai authorities are lenient enough to allow them to do business there for the sake of good relations between the two countries and for humanitarian reasons.

Tharit was referring to Cambodia's demand for the Thai side to pay Bt69 million in compensation for damage allegedly caused by heavy weapons from the Thai army used during the border clash on April 3 near Preah Vihear Temple.

Cambodian Foreign Ministry Monday sent a diplomatic note to Thailand, asking for the compensation. It said the gunfire destroyed 264 stands at a market in front of the temple, affecting 319 Cambodian households.

The Thai foreign ministry will send a letter to Cambodia to reaffirm its stance on the issue, the spokesman said, noting that Thailand had earlier clearly asserted that the area in question belongs to Thailand.

Asked if Thailand would seek compensation from Cambodia for damage on the Thai side, the spokesman said the ministry's Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs is looking into the matters.

Thai Supreme Commander Songkitti Chakkrabat has no concern over Cambodia's demand for compensation: Thailand can explain -sic!-

Songkitti Chakkrabat

Songkitti: Army can safeguard leaders

13/05/2009
BangkokPost.com

Supreme Commander Songkitti Chakkrabat affirmed that the army is ready to safeguard leaders of Asian nations who will attend the Asean+6 summit in Phuket.

Gen Songkitti said the army will follow its rules in adopting security measures for the leaders. He, however, refused to go into detail, saying that it is confidential.

He continued that the army will follow the rule of law if it has to use weapons as part of security measures. He told public not to worry about it.

The supreme commander also said that he believes no Thais would try to obstruct the summit because it is a cooperation of 10 Asean nations to solve problems not related to politics.

On Cambodia's damanding Thailand to pay 75 million baht in compensation for damage caused to a market in fatal border clashes last month, Gen Songkitti said he believes Thailand can explain to Cambodia about the matter. There are committees working on it, he said, adding that he has no concerns over this.

Cambodia's demand for Thailand compensation

Click on the letter to zoom in

Cambodia demands compensation from Thailand for losses caused by Thai troops in Preah Vihear

PHNOM PENH, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian government presents its complaints to Thailand on Monday, demanding compensation for the damage and losses caused by Thai troops' attack early April on its market located in front of the Temple of Preah Vihear.

"The attack with heavy weapons by Thai troops against Cambodian territory in the area close to the Temple of Preah Vihear on April 3 caused numerous damages and set a blaze the Cambodian market located in front of the temple," a note from Cambodian foreign ministry to Thailand foreign ministry said.

"A total number of 264 stands within this market were completely destroyed, causing great hardship and misery to 319 Cambodian families who have lost their livelihood," it said, adding that "the material loss incurred on these families amounts to 2,150,500 U.S. dollars."

"The Royal Government of Cambodia demands that the Royal Thai Government take full responsibility for these damages caused by Thai soldiers and to appropriately compensate the above losses," the ministry statement said.

The Preah Vihear temple became a World Heritage Site of UNESCO in July 2008. Although the International Court in Hague decided in 1962 that the temple and its surrounding area should belong to Cambodia, Thailand has been claiming its archeological value and sovereignty.

Both troops built up within the border area since July 2008, and brief military encounters in October 2008 and April 2009 have sparked concern of possible war between these two countries. Gunfire exchange during the armed clashes also led to bullet pits and other slight wound of the temple.

Destruction of the Village at the Foot of Preah Vihear: Thai War Crimes and a Breach of International Law

Cambodian Center for Human Rights

Media Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phnom Penh, May 06, 2009

Destruction of the Village at the Foot of Preah Vihear: Thai War Crimes and a Breach of International Law

The Cambodian Center for Human Rights (CCHR) today issues a report that analyzes the international legal implications of the recent events of 3 April 2009 at the Temple of Preah Vihear in the Kingdom of Cambodia. The recent events saw the village known as Psar Cheung Prasat (Market at the Foot of the Mountain) completely destroyed and the Preah Vihear Temple damaged by the armed forces of the Kingdom of Thailand. We will submit the report to the Royal Government of Cambodia for its urgent consideration.

The report considers recent events in the context of the historical dispute between Thailand and Cambodia regarding the ownership of the Preah Vihear Temple and adjacent territory; and rising tensions in the second half of 2008 that began after Cambodia requested the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to register the Preah Vihear Temple as a World Heritage Site. The recent events resulted in the complete destruction of the village and damage to the Preah Vihear Temple. Further to our investigations and consideration of the relevant #798, St. 99, Sangkat Boeung Trabek, Khan Chamcamorn, Phnom Penh, Cambodia international law, the report finds that it is probable that Thailand has breached international law and that its military and/or government personnel responsible for destroying the village and damaging the Preah Vihear Temple have committed war crimes. The Report recognizes the restraint of the Royal Government of Cambodia in reacting to the recent events, and makes a series of recommendations which include: offering further humanitarian assistance to the displaced residents of the village; requesting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the United Nations (UN) or another neutral body to carry out further and detailed investigations into the recent events; and – should the findings of the report be corroborated – formally informing Thailand of its breach of international law and requesting fair compensation. The Report sets out also the possible option of initiating proceedings against Thailand at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and requesting the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate the actions of the Thai military and/or government personnel involved in the recent events.

The report is available online at www.cchrcambodia.org

For more information, please contact:

Ou Virak
President
Tel: +855 12 404051
Email: ouvirak@cchrcambodia.org

Rupert Abbott
Director of Development and Programs
Tel: +855 17 500 778
Email: rupertabbot@cchrcambodia.org

Shockwaves of Cambodian temple dispute linger

April 30, 2009
ABC Radio Australia

A serious clash between Thai and Cambodian soldiers near the Preah Vihear temple on the northern Cambodian border in early April resulted in the Thai Army shelling and destroying a civilian market and homes adjacent to the temple.

No civilians were hurt in the shelling but a Cambodian NGO has filed a 9 million US dollar claim against the Thai government on behalf of the 900 affected villagers. And a human rights NGO says Thailand's shelling of the market was a breach of the Geneva Conventions.

Presenter: Robert Carmichael
Speakers: Moeung Sonn, director of the Khmer Civilization Foundation; Rupert Abbott lawyer and director at the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights

Click here to listen to the audio program (Windows Media)

CARMICHAEL: The 900-year-old temple of Preah Vihear on the northern border of Cambodia is one of the country's most treasured possessions. Preah Vihear is also contentious - Thailand lost an international court case over ownership of the temple back in 1962. But demarcation of the 800-kilometre long border between the two nations still hasn't been agreed - and that includes the area around the Preah Vihear temple, which sits squarely on the contested border.

Over the past year tensions have risen and subsided as troops from both countries faced off there. In early April fighting broke out at Preah Vihear, and several Thai soldiers were killed and injured - the precise number isn't clear. But what is clear is that three rockets - seemingly fired by the Thai army - hit the local market where 260 families lived. The market and their homes were completely destroyed. The temple also suffered some damage. Moeung Sonn runs a local NGO called the Khmer Civilization Foundation. On behalf of the villagers, Moeung Sonn sent a compensation claim to the Thai government for nine million US dollars. He hasn't yet had a response from Bangkok.

Photographs on the wall of Moeung Sonn's office in Phnom Penh show the remains of the market - there isn't much, just a wreckage of scorched corrugated iron.

SONN: This area is protected by UNESCO.

CARMICHAEL: Because it is a World Heritage Site

SONN: Yes, World Heritage. So no reason Thais destroy this area.

CARMICHAEL: Moeung Sonn says the traders at the market had spent substantial sums building up their stocks ahead of the Cambodian New Year in mid-April when many Cambodians visit the temple. But before they could come, the market was shelled and the traders lost everything. Thus the claim.

So does Moeung Sonn think the villagers will get compensation from the Thai government?

SONN: I think the Thais will pay. I think the Cambodian government don't drop this matter because these rockets came from Thailand. And so no reason why [Thailand] don't pay to Cambodian villagers.

CARMICHAEL: But compensation is only one aspect of the shelling. British lawyer Rupert Abbott is a director at the Cambodian Centre for Human Rights, a local NGO. Later this week his organisation will release a report on the incident and the applicability of international law to what happened.

Mr Abbott's report indicates that the Thai army's action did break international law.

ABBOTT: We do believe based on our investigations that Thailand has breached international humanitarian law. It's breached the Geneva Conventions. There were no soldiers in the village, it wasn't being used for military use - there were no weapons, no hardware, playing no military role. And it seemed that it was deliberately attacked. The three rockets fired all hit the market. It was then sprayed with machinegun fire when the civilians tried to put out the fire.

CARMICHAEL: Mr Abbott acknowledges that the Thai government might disagree with his report's findings, since it is based solely on Cambodian accounts.

ABBOTT: I am absolutely sure as you suggest that Thailand will dispute this account. We've been interviewing Cambodian villagers, and that's why a neutral organization like ASEAN needs to investigate this and get the Thai side of events.

CARMICHAEL: It isn't clear what Thailand thinks of all this since the spokesperson from the Thai embassy in Phnom Penh was unavailable for comment. But as far as the Cambodian government is concerned, says information minister Khieu Kanharith, the market had no military value - he believes the shelling was deliberate and a gross violation of international law. But he says bilateral talks are a better way to solve the issue than involving ASEAN.

As for compensation, Khieu Kanharith says Phnom Penh is in favour of Thailand making payments to the villagers. And although he hasn't heard anything yet from Bangkok, he expects some gesture will be forthcoming. In the meantime, and with the rainy season fast approaching, Phnom Penh has provided housing materials for the 900 affected people allowing them to rebuild their homes at a new site 20 kilometres away. The government will also rebuild the market.

Observers have pointed out that the situation around the Preah Vihear temple often worsens when Thai political tensions rise - and Thai politics are still far from stable. It remains to be seen whether the events of early April mark the low point between Cambodia and Thailand over the border at the 900-year-old temple.

Border Group Seeks $9 Million From Thais

By Chun Sakada, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
23 April 2009

Moeung Son, the chairman of the Khmer Civilization Foundation, requested $9.2 million in compensation from the Thai government for the destruction of Cambodian property near Preah Vihear temple during cross-border fighting earlier this month.

Skirmishes between Thai and Cambodian security forces April 3 led to the deaths of at least two Thai soldiers and the destruction under mortar fire of a Cambodian market and houses of 261 families.

Moeung Son told reporters at a press conference he had taken up a thumb-print petition over the weekend, of families that lost their homes in the fighting, which he used to file a complaint through the Thai Embassy Thursday morning.

“The Thai government must be completely responsible for all the destruction of people’s property because of the fighting,” Moeung Son said. “We must struggle to demand compensation from the Thai government for the destruction of property, the loss of jobs and psychological suffering.”

Council of Ministers spokesman Phay Siphan said the request was “very important” in demanding the Thais take responsibility for the damages.

“It shows the civil society’s duty to protect the Cambodian people and the country’s interest,” he said.

The government has collected evidence of the destruction in the April fighting and has sent some documentation to the Thai government already, he said.

Thai Embassy officials could not be reached for comment.

NGO: Border families should ask Thailand to pay $9 mln for property damage

April 23, 2009
Source: Xinhua

Border families should ask for nine million U.S. dollars from Thailand to compensate for their damaged houses and markets as a result of recent bilateral armed clashes, national media said on Thursday.

Direct asset loss was estimated at 1.2 million U.S. dollars, but Thailand should pay much more for the trauma of the residents, so the total amount of Thai compensation should top nine million U.S. dollars, Chinese-language daily newspaper the Commercial News quoted the Khmer Civilization Fund (KCF) as saying.

KCF and other non-governmental organizations had visited the border area to study the residents' loss, and a report has been lodged to country leaders and officials at various levels, said KCF which represented the compensation seekers.

On Tuesday, KCF told reporters that 147 Cambodian families near the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple had asked Thailand to pay for the damage of their properties.

The houses with 260 inhabitants were burnt down, as two rounds of heavy gunfire exchange occurred on April 3 near the temple, according to KCF.

Rocket bombs hit their houses and then led to total damage, it said, adding that the house owners were strongly dissatisfied with such behavior and demanded that Thailand should pay for the loss.

The April 3 military confrontations took place after well-armed Thai troops intruded on Cambodian lands.

"It is very regrettable that Thai armed intrusions continue to occur repeatedly in the same areas" near the border, and "these acts of violation have compelled the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) to exercise their rights to self-defense and to protect the Cambodian territorial integrity," said a statement issued by the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation right after the accidents.

Since July 2008, troops from both sides have stationed near the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and two armed confrontations last year sparked brief concerns of war.

The two neighboring countries have never fully demarcated their disputed 800-km-long border, mainly due to their different interpretations of historical maps and the landmines left over from decades of civil war in Cambodia.

Border Families Should Ask Thailand For Compensation

PHNOM PENH, April 23 (Bernama) -- Border families in Cambodia should ask for US$9 million from Thailand to compensate for their damaged houses and markets as a result of recent bilateral armed clashes, China's Xinhua news agency said quoting a national media report Thursday.

Direct asset loss was estimated at US$1.2 million, but Thailand should pay much more for the trauma of the residents, so the total amount of Thai compensation should top US$9 million, Chinese-language daily newspaper the Commercial News quoted the Khmer Civilisation Fund (KCF) as saying.

KCF and other non-governmental organisations had visited the border area to study the residents' loss, and a report has been lodged to country leaders and officials at various levels, said KCF which represented the compensation seekers.

On Tuesday, KCF told reporters that 147 Cambodian families near the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple had asked Thailand to pay for the damage of their properties.

The houses with 260 inhabitants were burnt down, as two rounds of heavy gunfire exchange occurred on April 3 near the temple, according to KCF.

Rocket bombs hit their houses and then led to total damage, it said, adding that the house owners were strongly dissatisfied with such behavior and demanded that Thailand should pay for the loss.

The April 3 military confrontations took place after well-armed Thai troops intruded on Cambodian lands.

"It is very regrettable that Thai armed intrusions continue to occur repeatedly in the same areas" near the border, and "these acts of violation have compelled the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) to exercise their rights to self-defence and to protect the Cambodian territorial integrity," said a statement issued by the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation right after the accidents.

Since July 2008, troops from both sides have stationed near the Preah Vihear temple, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, and two armed confrontations last year sparked brief concerns of war.

The two neighbouring countries have never fully demarcated their disputed 800-km-long border, mainly due to their different interpretations of historical maps and the landmines left over from decades of civil war in Cambodia.

Temple villagers tell of loss

Cambodian soldiers walk through the site of a burned market in front of Preah Vihear temple on Saturday. Local residents fled the area when fighting broke out on Friday. Many have begun to return to the site to salvage whatever they can from the rubble. (Photo: AFP)

Thursday, 09 April 2009
Written by Thet Sambath and Michael Fox
The Phnom Penh Post

Preah Vihear

THAI MINISTER'S COMMENTS ‘FEARFUL'

A Cambodian government official described as “panicky” the Thai foreign minister’s warning that former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra was being allowed to launch political attacks from Cambodia. Koy Kuong, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the Post Wednesday that Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya’s comment was made out of fear of Thaksin and were without foundation. “I wonder why [Kasit] says this again and again – we have already informed Thailand that Thaksin is not in Cambodia,” Koy Kuong said. Despite the outburst, Koy Kuong said relations between the two countries were good.

Three villagers tell how they hid in a trench with Cambodian soldiers while machine-gun fire and shells tore through the Preah Vihear market last Friday.

ON Monday, Siv Sophally came back to the remains of his house near the burned-out market at the base of Preah Vihear temple to see what was left. The market was rocketed by Thai forces during a firefight on Friday that left three Thai soldiers dead.

There wasn't much left. Among the burned remains he found a ruined generator, his son's bicycle and bottles of perfume. Everything had turned to ashes, he said.

"Along with the burned generator and bottles of perfume, my other possessions such as clothes, tables, chairs, pots and dishes were in ashes," he said. "I came back to find what was left, but there isn't anything - just the well."

Siv Sophally, 38, was looking for his well to give water to the soldiers. The fact that it was underground meant it was safe, but he worried the piping was damaged. He estimates that the loss of his cafe, shop, souvenirs, perfume and stock has cost him USD$20,000.

"I have lost everything - all of my property. It was destroyed by the fire from the Thai rockets. This had value and it's now just ashes," he said. "I am finished. My mother has cried every day since."

He said that a number of villagers want to file a claim against the Thai army for compensation and will ask Prime Minister Hun Sen to intervene. He said 20 men who lost their properties now want to join the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) and go to the front line.

"We will be grateful if Prime Minister Hun Sen rebuilds our houses. Everything we have built up for 10 years is gone," he said.

Siv Sophally's wife, children, parents and relatives are staying temporarily in flats at Sa Em village, which lies 25 kilometres from Preah Vihear.

CRC donates food, utensils

Long Sovann, deputy governor of Preah Vihear, said the Cambodian Red Cross had donated supplies to each of the more than 500 families that were moved from the market area. Among the goods they received were 25 kilograms of rice, canned fish, utensils and pots.

He said 277 families had lived around the market, and 183 houses were destroyed.

"We are looking for land for them to build their houses on at Sa Em village."

"We are looking for land for them to build their houses on at Sa Em village," Long Sovann said. "They can live in the new village and go to sell their goods at the market once it is rebuilt."

‘I couldn't run anywhere'

During Friday's clash between Thai and Cambodian soldiers, three villagers who had decided to remain in the area were hiding in trenches with RCAF troops. Prak Sam El, Try Pisith and Yim Pov were caught in the fighting with just the clothes they were wearing.

Yim Pov said his wife and children had been evacuated before the fighting to Sa Em village. Other villagers were sent to Ko Muoy behind a hill near the temple. He had remained behind to keep an eye on his house.

All three men said they were unable to leave the scene and save their property because machine-gun fire was coming through the rain and hitting their homes and the temple.

"I was stuck at the front line," said Yim Pov, a pork vendor. "I hid in the trench near the market with Cambodian soldiers. It was like being in the army at the front line, but I had no gun to shoot with."

"I couldn't run anywhere because of the bullets and shells. I wasn't afraid of the shooting, but I was sorry to see our properties burned," he continued. "The soldiers told me not to move or I might get shot."

Fellow villager Try Pisith also lost everything. RCAF soldiers gave him clothes and rice to eat. While explaining that he has no spare clothes, an RCAF officer told him he can go to the army store and pick up some military fatigues.

The third man, Prak Sam El, sold groceries at the market and ran a cafe. His house, grocery store and cafe were destroyed. He calculated his losses at $3,000 but said it could have been worse: Soldiers had helped him to save 3 million riels' worth of goods.

"Now I have reopened my cafe and am selling to soldiers and tourists coming here. But none of the villagers have returned - it's just us three," Prak Sam El said. "I wanted to leave the trench, but there were so many machine-gun bullets flying around near me. So I just watched the fire, crying as it destroyed my property."

Phsar Krom market to be rebuilt … only because it is an order from Hun Sen

257 Cambodian homes and market stalls were burnt down to the ground from indiscriminate Thai rocket shelling (Photo: Samnang, Koh Santepheap)

Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Heng Soy

A report indicates that Prime minister Hun Sen has ordered the reconstruction of the market stalls located near the staircase leading to Preah Vihear temple that were destroyed by fire during the 03 April clash between Cambodian and Siam soldiers. According to Tuesday’s edition of The Cambodia Daily, Suos Yara, the under-secretary of state of the Council of Ministers, led a government delegation to visit the stalls and the villagers’ homes that were burnt down, and also to evaluate the damage resulting from the fight. Suos Yara said: “The order from Samdach prime minister Hun Sen is that it is necessary that this market be rebuilt.” He added: “Samdach’s goal is that, between the heritage and life, he would choose life before the heritage. Therefore, protecting the interest of the people is a sure necessity.”

Hang Soth, the secretary of the Preah Vihear National Authority, indicated that the fire destroyed about 257 stalls in the market. The market was developed at the foothill of Preah Vihear temple during the past 10 years. Preab Tan, the Preah Vihear provincial governor, said that the new market will be rebuilt with wood, and the stalls will be styled according to traditional Cambodian architecture with tile roof. Keo Neang, one of the market stall owners whose stall was destroyed by fire, said that she now has some hope left after hearing this announcement.

Photos from Preah Vihear border: Damage to Preah Vihear and Cambodian village

Pockmarked holes on the temple rocks resulting from Thai troops shooting (All photos: Samnang, Koh Santepheap news)
257 Cambodian homes were burnt down to the ground from indiscriminate Thai rocket shelling


Evacuated villagers
Villagers evacuated to safety zone

Evacuated villagers from Preah Vihear region face shortage

Refugees evacuated from the fighting zone are asking for help because their homes were all destroyed from the clash (Photo: Uy Sophea, RFA)

06 April 2009
By Savyouth
Radio Free Asia
Translated from Khmer by Socheata
Click here to read the article in Khmer

The short clash between Cambodian and Thai soldiers on 03 April led to more than 300 Cambodian war refugee families.

More than 300 Cambodian families living in the village at the foothill of Preah Vihear temple and who are now war refugees from the fighting zone, were temporarily evacuated to Sra’Em village, Kantuot commune, Choam Ksan district, Preah Vihear province. These families now face shortage of food, housing, clothing, and household cooking utensils because more than 250 of their homes were burnt down during the clash between Cambodian and Thai troops.

On Monday 06 April, a group of villagers who are now living in makeshift tents and in a market building said that their belongings and household utensils were all burnt down because of Thai troops rocket shelling.

Siv On, an elder man sitting underneath a tarp sheet, said that his home was burnt down, and his loss amounts to more than $10,000. “I lost my house and my belongings. The loss amounts to more than $10,000. We could not get anything out, we could only save ourselves and we thought that nothing will happen to our homes.”

Another villager said with tears streaking down her cheeks that her house was completely destroyed by the fire, and when she escaped from the fighting zone, she couldn’t get anything out at all, she was only able to escape with her children and the clothes on their back only: “I lost everything, I don’t even have a short for my children. I came to live here 10 years ago with my husband. They [Thai soldiers] fired [rockets] into houses in the market. I was lucky, if I did not run the trench on time, I would be filled with holes [from rocket shrapnels]. I am very hurt by the Siems [Thais], I don’t know who to tell this to, I can only beg Samdach Dekcho to help the villagers so they can continue their businesses.”

According to local authority, thousands of refugee people are facing difficulties, such as shortage of food, household utensils, clothes, lodging and they are also facing health problems.

On Monday morning, Sor Thavary, the deputy provincial governor for Preah Vihear, said the evacuated villagers lack everything, and he is calling on all humanitarian organizations to help provide for the villagers.

Sor Thavary said: “They lost everything in the fire. Any donations are very appreciated by them, if they can get tents that would be best.”

The authority indicated that the department of social affairs and the Preah Vihear Red Cross have distributed food, mosquito nets and plastic tents in an emergency, but the supplies cannot meet the needs of these war refugees yet.

These war refugees were evacuated by Cambodian troops to safer zones in the evening of 03 April, following the clash between Cambodian and Thai troops near Veal Entry, located close to the Preah Vihear temple.

Cambodian border village in ruins after clashes

Fire engulfing the market following Thai troops shelling (Photo: Deum Ampil)

Cambodian soldiers examine a burnt market near an ancient Hindu temple where Thai and Cambodian soldiers exchanged rifle and rocket fire in Preah Vihear province, 543 km (337 miles) north of Phnom Penh April 4, 2009. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Saturday a border clash with Thailand around a 900-year-old Hindu temple would not escalate into a more serious conflict. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

April 5, 2009
AFP

PREAH VIHEAR (Cambodia) - LIFTING out blackened jewellery and bottles of whiskey, Cambodian troops comb through the wreckage of a village destroyed in a bitter battle with neighbouring Thailand.

Villagers have fled the area near the 11th century Preah Vihear temple since troops from both sides traded gun and rocket fire on Friday, leaving two Thai soldiers dead and another nine wounded.

'Thai soldiers fired many rockets into the market so that it was burned down,' said Cambodian soldier Kim Chantha, 49, as he sat next to the smoldering site at the base of the temple, cradling his AK-47 rifle.

'We rushed to put out the fire when it first started on the thatched roof of a house, but we didn't have time because Thai soldiers kept firing machineguns and a lot of rockets toward the market,' he added.

Many troops sifted through the scattered corrugated steel that remains of the gutted market and homes.

Hundreds of villagers who lived here were evacuated to a school 20 kilometres away from the site.

Cambodian border market destroyed by Thai soldiers

A Cambodian soldier obtains water to drink at a burnt market near an ancient Hindu temple where Thai and Cambodian soldiers exchanged rifle and rocket fire in Preah Vihear province, 543 km (337 miles) north of Phnom Penh April 4, 2009. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Saturday a border clash with Thailand around a 900-year-old Hindu temple would not escalate into a more serious conflict. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea
Cambodian soldiers examine a burnt market near an ancient Hindu temple where Thai and Cambodian soldiers exchanged rifle and rocket fire in Preah Vihear province, 543 km (337 miles) north of Phnom Penh April 4, 2009. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said on Saturday a border clash with Thailand around a 900-year-old Hindu temple would not escalate into a more serious conflict. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea