Suon Vanna, a village security guard from Banteay Meanchey province’s Techo village, was among 30 Cambodian civilians injured when Thai security forces opened fire on Cambodian protestors, including monks, in Prey Chan village on September 17.
He is currently receiving treatment at Mongkol Borey Hospital.
The security guard, whose home village is in O’Bei Chaon commune, in O’Chrov district – as is Prey Chan – claimed that Thai forces had deceived the Cambodian villagers and authorities by saying they would only install more razor wire in the Tuol 2 area.
“Thai forces warned that if Cambodian villagers removed the wire, their soldiers would open fire,” he said.
Vanna still struggles to catch his breath after being tear gassed during yesterday’s clashes.
“In reality, they came to Prey Chan village, so we went to help stop them there. At least one monk was with us, he begged them ‘My child, don’t do that. Let the border officials handle it,’ but they didn’t listen to him,” he told The Post.
“I grabbed the razor wire and threw it away. The Thai forces also fired many tear gas grenades. I caught two and threw them back. I was in front of them, but I couldn’t run because there were so many of us — it was cramped,” he added.
He explained that he felt ill and was rushed to Mongkol Borey Hospital with chest pains, breathing difficulties and severe diarrhoea.
Yesterday’s clashes with Thai soldier s involved the use of rubber bullets, slingshots, tear gas and long-range acoustic devices. The incident left at least 30 Cambodians injured, including monks.
