Phnom Penh. Armed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has entered the fourth day, due to which about 80,000 villagers from Cambodia have been forced to leave their homes and take shelter in safe places. Lieutenant General Maili Socheta, Deputy Secretary and Spokesperson of Cambodia’s Ministry of Defense, gave this information in a press briefing on Sunday.
The Xinhua news agency quoted him as saying that 25,000 families, ie about 80,000 people, have been taken to safe places in Preh Vihar, Oddar Meencheyya and Purish provinces. In addition, 536 schools have been closed, affecting 130,000 students.
In this armed conflict which started on Thursday, more than 30 people have died from both sides and more than 100,000 people have been transferred to safe places. The two countries are accusing each other of violating international law and starting firing first.
Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SSCA) on Saturday banned all flights over war areas with Thailand. SSCA Secretary Sin Chainseri Vutha said that all airlines have been asked to avoid flying over the struggle areas (including Poippet city, Palin Province and some part of the Seam Reap province).
He said in an audio message that the aircraft is not allowed to fly at a height of less than 1,200 meters. This step has been taken to ensure safety of aircraft and passengers. Vutha said that until 10 am on 26 July, international flights from Nom Penh to Bangkok and Seyem Reap are normally running, as aircraft have changed their routes to avoid restricted air areas.
The conflict between the two countries began after the five troops of Thailand were injured in an explosion on July 24 in a tunnel on the border of Thailand and Cambodia. Despite diplomatic efforts, the struggle continued on Sunday in parts of the disputed border of the two countries. Both sides were not ready to back down and kept accusing each other for firing and military activities again.
