At least 100 Cambodian villagers gathered at the border on Friday to protest against Thailand's planned eviction of Cambodian settlers in two border villages, as Thai soldiers prepared to clear landmines in anticipation of the operation, reports Bangkok Post.
The Royal Thai Army reported that the protesters, along with journalists, assembled near the villages of Ban Nong Ya Kaeo and Ban Nong Chan in Khok Sung district around 9:30 am, just before Thai forces began mine-sweeping operations. The military operation is part of an effort to remove Cambodian settlers from land within these Thai villages.
According to Thai authorities, 135 Cambodian households are occupying parts of Ban Nong Chan, while 35 more are settled in Ban Nong Ya Kaeo. These families have been ordered to vacate the areas immediately.
Ban Nong Ya Kaeo borders Cambodia’s Prey Chan village, while Ban Nong Chan lies across from Chork Cey village, both located in Cambodia’s Banteay Meanchey province.
The Thai National Security Council (NSC) met on Friday to decide whether to proceed with the eviction plan. The operation is also targeting a third settlement at Ban Ta Phraya in Thailand’s Ta Phraya district, though the number of Cambodian residents there remains unclear.
Tensions along the eastern border have been escalating since October 1, when Thailand’s First Army Region informed Cambodia’s Fifth Army Region about the mine-clearing operation to be carried out by the Burapha Task Force. Cambodia has voiced strong objections, claiming that the move breaches a peace agreement made between the two countries’ defense ministers during a General Border Committee meeting last month.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
