Medical teams in Koh Kong province, in cooperation with the Techo Friendship Hospital, remain on standby to welcome 18 detained Cambodian soldiers home, in the event that Thailand returns them through the Cham Yeam International Border Checkpoint, even though Thai authorities have not yet followed through on their earlier commitment.
According to the Koh Kong provincial information department, Dr. Hay Layson, director of the Koh Kong Provincial Referral Hospital, said on Wednesday, November 12, that the hospital had prepared 18 hospital beds, six ambulances, medical teams and a wide range of medical equipment in readiness to provide immediate care for the soldiers once they are repatriated.
Layson noted that the preparations were made under the guidance of the government, the Ministry of Health and the provincial administration, ensuring that the soldiers would receive immediate medical care upon their return.
“The Koh Kong Provincial Referral Hospital and the Techo Friendship Hospital remain on standby at all times to receive the 18 Cambodian soldiers — not only on November 12, but continuously, regardless of when they are returned,” he said.
However, as of Wednesday, Thailand had not yet repatriated the captured men.
Instead, reports emerged that Thai forces opened fire on Cambodian civilians, injuring five people in Prey Chan village, O’Bei Choan commune, O’Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province. One of them has since reportedly died.
Maly Socheata, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defence, announced that Thai troops fired at the Cambodian villagers at around 3:50 p.m. She added that the attack followed a series of provocative actions by Thai soldiers over recent days, apparently aimed at escalating tensions along the border.
Meanwhile, Met Meas Pheakdey, deputy governor and spokesperson for the Oddar Meanchey provincial administration, reported that as of 5pm, the border situation remained calm but under heightened alert.
The provincial authorities have urged residents — especially those living near the border areas — to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety amid the tense situation.
