Please Let Me Be the Last’: A Farmer’s Home Destroyed in Border Fighting

BANTEAY MEANCHEY — Several villages in Svay Chek district, Banteay Meanchey province, were heavily bombed by the Thai military during 21 days of renewed border fighting, including aerial strikes and artillery shelling that damaged or destroyed numerous civilian homes.

One of them belonged to Kour Choeurm, a 57-year-old farmer from Bek Chan Chas village. Svay Chek, located about 30 kilometers from the border, was affected only during the second round of fighting.

As clashes intensified, Choeurm fled with other villagers to the Pheas displacement center on December 8. At night, when the explosions briefly subsided, he returned repeatedly to check on his house.

On December 24, during his final visit, he saw nearby homes badly damaged. He hoped his would be spared. Just hours before the ceasefire took effect, an artillery shell struck it.

The house, built over more than two decades with his wife, Youn Saroum, was the family’s only shelter for nine people and their most valuable possession. Its destruction has left the couple facing an uncertain future.

“As the ceasefire enters into force, I hope my house will be the last destroyed,” Choeurm said. “Please let the ceasefire be preserved so others can live in safety and peace.”

Despite the loss, the couple has not given up. Saroum hopes to rebuild through farming, including raising crickets, believing their family can one day have a new home.