Sisaket: The Minister of Foreign Affairs led a delegation of diplomats from the Ottawa Convention to Sisaket Province to survey and inspect the clearance of mines in the Phu Makhuea area near the Preah Vihear Temple. The delegation hopes the international community will understand the problem and help pressure Cambodia to demonstrate sincerity.
According to Thai News Agency, around noon, Mr. Maris Sengiampong, Minister of Foreign Affairs, led a delegation of 36 diplomats from the Ottawa Convention, along with representatives from international organizations, civil society organizations involved in mine clearance from 33 countries, and Thai and international media. The group gathered at Phum Sorol Wittaya School in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province to receive a briefing on the overall situation in the border provinces. Five representatives of affected villagers were also present to welcome them.
A sign illustrating examples of damage to civilian homes from previous clashes was displayed in front of the meeting room. The statistics showed that 36 homes were severely damaged and completely destroyed, 320 homes were partially damaged, 8 civilians were killed, 18 were injured, and 14 government buildings were damaged.
As per the original schedule, the diplomatic delegation was set to ascend to Phu Makhuea at 1:00 PM to survey the minefield and observe the demining process for approximately two hours. The delegation included military representatives, a delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, approximately 40 diplomats, and 30 members of the media.
Before 3:00 PM, the delegation proceeded to inspect houses damaged by BM 21 rockets in Ban Phum Soron, Sao Thong Chai Subdistrict. At this site, two houses were severely damaged, and another two were hit by shrapnel. One person was injured, with shrapnel embedded in the back of his head. Fortunately, he is now out of danger, though he has not yet been able to undergo surgery. In Ban Nong Mek, within the same subdistrict, there was one death and one injury reported. However, the afternoon schedule faced potential delays due to a one-hour delay in the morning.
In addition to confirming the presence of new landmines from Cambodia, which violate the Ottawa Convention, the villagers are seeking assistance as they struggle to earn a living and face mounting debts. They seek clarity and a resolution to the issues, hoping for a return to normalcy as swiftly as possible.