Displaced Cambodians Return Home as Thailand-Cambodia Ceasefire Holds

A ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand has allowed many displaced individuals to return home following violent clashes that forced over 300,000 people to flee. One of the first evacuees to make the journey back was Lat Laem, a 30-year-old farmer from Kouk Khpos, roughly 10 kilometres from the Thai border. His return comes after a truce was established, influenced by interventions from global leaders, including US President Donald Trump.

The territorial conflict, ignited by a long-standing cartographical dispute, erupted into open combat on March 7, 2024. The situation escalated with artillery fire, rocket attacks, and aerial bombardments, resulting in at least 43 fatalities on both sides. The ceasefire took effect at midnight on March 11, 2024, and while sporadic skirmishes continued, a general sense of peace has emerged.

Returning Home After Conflict

Lat Laem expressed gratitude to be back in his community after a harrowing experience. He recounted how he had been working in his rice field when the initial blasts signaled the start of the conflict. Seeking safety, he and his family took refuge in a bunker built by his brother, a precaution typical for residents in the border area.

When the violence intensified, Lat Laem reluctantly left his newly constructed home, where he had not yet held a housewarming. He joined approximately 140,000 Cambodians and 180,000 Thais who abandoned their homes during the turmoil. The family traveled on a tractor-drawn wagon, known locally as an “iron cow,” carrying minimal belongings, including cooking utensils and a fan, to a shelter located 50 kilometres away.

During their absence, both nations exchanged fire, leading to significant destruction along the border. Allegations arose regarding the use of cluster bombs and the targeting of civilian structures, including homes and hospitals.

Relief and Recovery

Lat Laem was deeply concerned about the fate of his house as the fighting raged on. “I was worried that my house that I spent all that money to build might be damaged — that would upset me,” he admitted. The anxiety kept him awake at night, fearing for his property.

Upon his return, he found relief as his home was unscathed. “It was not hit, it is intact,” he noted with a sense of disbelief and gratitude. The return of Lat Laem and others marks a small step toward recovery for a community that had faced considerable upheaval.

As the ceasefire continues to hold, the focus shifts toward rebuilding lives and communities affected by the conflict. The people of Kouk Khpos and surrounding areas hope for lasting peace, allowing them to resume their daily activities and heal from the scars of violence.

With a commitment to providing comprehensive and verified coverage, the international news agency AFP remains dedicated to reporting on the evolving situation in this region.