Turning pain into strength: Cambodians steadfast amidst border violence

First lady Pich Chanmony met Mon Pheaktra, who was injured in his right eye while protecting citizens from the actions of the Thai forces. Supplied

-The Phnom Penh Post-

In the face of adversity, the Cambodian people stand united, turning their pain into a powerful force of solidarity.

Amid ongoing violence at the contested Cambodia-Thailand border, villagers, soldiers, monks and civilians have come together, displaying remarkable courage and determination.

Without weapons, they protect their land, defend their homes and fight not just for their survival, but for the honour and integrity of their nation.

On September 17, a harrowing video showed a group of villagers carrying a woman who had collapsed from the choking smoke of Thai tear gas along a muddy path in Prey Chan village.

Tears of pain no barrier to determination

The woman was Meas Kimheng, 45.

Despite the overwhelming pain of severe smoke inhalation, Kimheng displayed an unwavering spirit.

“We only went to protect our land. This is our home, our soil. I never thought I would be attacked like this,” she said.

Her words reflect a profound sense of injustice and pain. But they also speak to her determination.

“Even if I die, I will not give up if they don’t stop,” Kimheng declared.

“The acrid tear gas was choking, I felt like I was suffocating and passed out… But even though we don’t have weapons, we will fight for Cambodia,” she said.

She explained that even though the land was not her own, she felt it was her duty to help the Cambodians because she believed Cambodians love each other.

Kimheng added that she was deeply hurt that the Thai forces had insulted the Cambodian people, the soldiers, the monks and their leaders.

She shouted back at the Thai forces, demanding that they retreat to their land and stop invading Cambodian territory.

“I want them to see how much they are hurting us Cambodians,” Kimheng.

Phin Ri, 42, was also brought to hospital after inhaling tear gas.

“Right now, I still have pain and numbness in my right eye,” she told The Post.

“I am in pain both physically and emotionally. They took my house, and they removed all my belongings,” she added.

Humanity knows no borders

The third patient in their hospital ward serves as a reminder that despite of the differences between the two neighbouring Kingdoms, humans share a common bond of love.

Laying beside them is a Thai woman suffering from pneumonia. She is receiving free treatment, as she cannot afford to pay.

Ok Tinna, director of Poipet Referral Hospital, outlined how regardless of political tensions, the hospital continues to treat Thai patients.

“We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour or political affiliation,” he told The Post.

He noted that the hospital is currently providing free treatment to several Thai pneumonia patients.

He also addressed reports that some Thai hospitals had refused treatment to Cambodian nationals.

“It is against hospital ethics to refuse patients because of their ethnicity,” he said.

The clash left at least 30 injured.

Whether in saffron or green, duty calls

Venerable Nhek Di, the abbot of Wat Prey Chan, was also caught in the violence, but refused to back down.

Despite suffering in the attack, the monk continued his march alongside the Cambodian people.

He did not expect the Thai police and soldiers to target him.

He firmly rejected Thai media reports that accused the Cambodian government of using citizens and monks as human shields.

“There was no government order. I am here voluntarily. This action was to protect our land. I am here on my own because I love my country,” the monk told The Post.

“As the Buddha said, if there is suffering somewhere, monks must be present to help the people,” he said.

Cambodian soldier Mon Pheaktra was seriously injured during the confrontation, his right eye badly damaged.

He was transferred from the provincial hospital to Ang Duong Hospital in Phnom Penh.

“On the afternoon of September 18, first lady Pich Chanmony, vice-president of the Board of Directors of TYDA, personally visited the hero of the army Pheaktra, who was seriously injured in his right eye while protecting citizens from the actions of the Thai forces that invaded Cambodian territory and persecuted the Cambodian people,” said the Samdech Techo Youth Volunteer Doctors Association (TYDA), via social media.

Support from behind the front line

They are not alone. Cambodians from all over the world are supporting them in every way they can, providing essential supplies for evacuees and military personnel.

In the villages where Thai forces have laid razor wire to seize their land and sovereignty, civilians are showing their support by sharing food and drinks with the military and those guarding the border to prevent further encroachments.

So Sreyroath, a drink seller from Poipet town, began stopping by the village twice a day, offering free drinks to the courageous villagers.

“Khmer love Khmer. We are in pain because Thailand is invading us. By supporting our military and our people, we help in any way we can. We share drinks at least twice a day to those standing guard against further encroachment,” Sreyroath told The Post.

Cambodian authorities have condemned the use of force and called for restraint, while the villagers vow to continue defending what they regard as their rightful farmland along the contested border.

Prime Minister Hun Manet and his wife met with the families of the 18 Cambodian soldiers captured by the Thai army.

On September 19, he took to social media to pay tribute to their courage, assuring them that his government is working to secure their release.

“Together with my wife, I met with the families of the 18 heroic Cambodian soldiers… I also clarified the position of the Royal Government, which is actively working to protect their lives and safety, and striving for the release of all 18 men,” he said.