A ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand has begun to hold, allowing thousands of displaced people to venture back home. However, many are discovering a personal price for the recent fierce fighting that resulted in the deaths of at least 41 people and displaced over 260,000 others.
Residents returning to their homes in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province found destruction, including shattered glass, torched motorcycles, and a burned bust of Buddha. Soth Sim, a 63-year-old who fled his home a week ago, described the scene as “beyond sad” after discovering that his house and business had been devastated by fire.
Many are struggling to cope with the damages estimated to be around $100,000, which could significantly impact their livelihoods. Sok Duong, a rice wine brewer, returned home to find her driveway cratered and roof shrapnel gashes, leaving parts of her home flooded. Despite these challenges, she was relieved to see her pen of piglets alive and well.
The two countries blame each other for starting the fighting, which began last week. A ceasefire deal brokered by Malaysia with backing from the US and China appears to be holding, but tension and mistrust remain high. More people are expected to return home in the coming days, hoping that their homes have been spared from destruction.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/cambodia-thailand-destruction-war-evacuees-0a57ed5519309ed9df295c1b1f6d50c8