Tens of Thousands Remain Displaced in Oddar Meanchey as Refugees Struggle to Return Home
Tens of Thousands Remain Displaced in Oddar Meanchey as Refugees Struggle to Return Home
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More than two weeks after Thailand’s military aggression, tens of thousands of displaced people remain in refugee camps in Oddar Meanchey province, longing to return home after fleeing shelling and insecurity.
Among them is 76-year-old Muth Den from O’Smach commune, who fled her village on December 7, the first day of the fighting.
Speaking from the refugee camp, Den said her family has been living in temporary shelters since their evacuation. While grateful for the food and assistance provided by local authorities and philanthropists, she said the prolonged displacement has been extremely difficult and has taken a heavy toll on her daily life.
Den said:
“I was afraid when the Thai military dropped bombs from fighter jets, one from the west and one from the east. I ran to collect rice and a few belongings, especially pots and plates. That morning, I hadn’t cooked rice or washed the dishes or cooking pots—I had been running since early morning. As the bombs exploded from both directions, I gathered what I could so I could take them with me on a tractor.
When I arrived at the evacuation site, people were bustling around and there was enough food to eat, with no shortages. I missed home, but I didn’t dare to return because the situation is still unstable. I want to go home, but I am afraid, and no one dares to go yet. The authorities would not allow me to return to O’Smach.
If I go to the small house, I can manage, but I cannot stay there. I am afraid of shelling and of the Thais. I hear the sound of shells falling near the village. Sometimes they land beyond the village, on the hillside of O’Smach Mountain, north of my house. When they fall there, it is far from my home, but I am still afraid.
I miss home, but I don’t know what to do. My house is empty and small. There is nothing there now, only some old clothes.”
-Khmer Times-
