House Destroyed and Seized by Thai Troops; a Prey Chan Villager Pleads for Lasting Peace

BANTEAY MEANCHEY — Van Sophorn, a villager from Prey Chan, watched her house be destroyed, turning half a lifetime of savings, sacrifice, and hope into ruins.

Sophorn, 40, who worked as a cleaner for a Chinese company in O’Bei Choan commune, had saved her salary to build the house and cover the education and living expenses of two of her four children.

The border clashes that re-erupted on December 7 forced her to flee her workplace with only the clothes she was wearing. She was unable to return to collect her family’s personal belongings because of safety concerns.

Now temporarily residing at the Wat Svay Thmey displacement site in Kampong Svay district, Sophorn remains uncertain about when she and her family will be able to return home.

Many residential houses in Prey Chan village have been seized by Thai troops, who have installed shipping containers and barbed wire, restricting civilian access.