Oddar Meanchey sees widespread damage after 21 days of Thai military aggression

Oddar Meanchey sees widespread damage after 21 days of Thai military aggression

#National

Oddar Meanchey — At least 650 homes and two ancient temples in Oddar Meanchey province were damaged during 21 days of fighting, with unexploded cluster munitions still scattered across large areas, local authorities said.

Deputy Provincial Governor Met Measpheakdey said the aggression, which began on December 8 and ended at noon on December 27, left nearly 150 houses completely destroyed across 51 villages. Public infrastructure, including schools, pagodas, health centres, bridges and border facilities, also suffered extensive damage, along with private businesses such as hotels, fuel stations and vehicles.

He added that around 70,000 families were affected, with 10 people killed and 15 injured. More than 50,000 families were evacuated, including about 13,000 families currently staying in displacement camps.

Officials from the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) warned that Oddar Meanchey is heavily contaminated with unexploded cluster munitions, posing ongoing risks to residents.

Since early January, CMAC teams have identified more than 1,900 hazardous locations across the province, including villages, schools, farmland and religious sites, with clearance operations continuing.

-Khmer Times-