Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring safety before allowing displaced residents to return to their homes near the Thai-Cambodian border.
Leading a delegation of representatives from 22 embassies and four international NGOs, Sokhonn visited Oddar Meanchey province on Friday, August 1, to assess the situation in areas severely affected by airstrikes carried out by Thai forces between July 24 and 28.
“The government is working hard to guarantee security for our people before they return home,” he said during his visit to Samraong town, where many families have taken refuge.
“We miss our homes and want to go back. We want to take care of our businesses, our animals, and our fields,” he noted.
He also highlighted that many houses in the affected areas remain locked and uninhabited.
“Most of the homes are empty. We want our people to return as soon as possible,” he added.
Japanese ambassador Ueno Atsushi was one of the diplomats who joined the tour.
“Witnessing the extent of the damage caused by the military clashes and the plight of the displaced civilians, I felt a deep sense of sorrow,” he said.
“I would like to express my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and offer my sympathy to those who have been affected,” he added.
At the same time, he expressed his earnest hopes that complete peace will be restored as soon as possible, noting that the Japanese government and he will make every effort to achieve this.
The US embassy also issued a statement.
“President Trump and Secretary Rubio are committed to an immediate cessation of violence and expect the governments of Cambodia and Thailand to fully honour their commitments to end this conflict,” it said.
Sokhonn highlighted the government’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to ensure a lasting ceasefire and prevent any future violations.
“We have worked hard to negotiate this ceasefire, and now we are working hard to bring in international monitors to ensure no violations and no further accusations,” he added.
He also took the opportunity to express his deepest condolences to the families of soldiers who lost their lives defending the country and wished a swift recovery to the wounded.
“We are grateful to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation,” he said.
He described the diplomatic mission to the border region as underlining the government’s concern for displaced civilians and its broader efforts to restore peace and normalcy to affected communities.
