AKP Phnom Penh, January 05, 2026 --

What was once a collection of peaceful border settlements has been transformed into a landscape of rubble and barbed wire, as thousands of Cambodian villagers find themselves caught in a volatile territorial standoff.

In the villages of Prey Chan and Chouk Chey—located within the O’ Beichoan commune of O’ Chrov district—displaced residents are alleging a severe violation of territorial integrity. They claim that Thai military forces have systematically razed Cambodian homes despite a ceasefire agreement signed just days ago on Dec. 27, 2025.

According to witnesses and local authorities, the reality on the ground contradicts the diplomatic promises of peace. Reports indicate that Thai troops have utilised heavy machinery to level residential structures to the ground, subsequently erecting barbed-wire fences and shipping-container outposts to solidify their presence on the contested land.

The Royal Government of Cambodia has characterised these maneuvers as a "complete contradiction" of previous bilateral commitments. 

“They can destroy our houses, but they cannot destroy our spirit,” said a representative of the displaced families, speaking from a makeshift shelter through tears. “The homes we spent our entire lives saving for were flattened by the Thai military. We have lived here for generations. We demand international justice and the right to return to our ancestral land.”

Despite the devastation, many residents expressed a firm resolve, stating their continued trust in the Cambodian Royal Government to resolve the dispute through legal and peaceful diplomatic channels.

In response to the crisis, Mr. Keo Dara Rasmey, Governor of O’ Chrov district, has been on the front lines coordinating relief efforts. The Banteay Meanchey provincial administration has taken emergency measures, establishing a safe zone at Chan Sy pagoda in Kop commune to house more than 1,000 displaced families.

“As authorities, we will not abandon our people,” Governor Rasmey said. “We have organised shelters, adequate food supplies, and 24-hour medical teams. I will remain here with our citizens until a resolution is reached and they can safely rebuild their homes.”

The area currently remains a scene of wreckage, littered with remnants of destroyed houses and unexploded ordnance. The Royal Government of Cambodia has formally declared that it will not recognise any changes to border demarcations resulting from the use of force.

By K. Rithy Reak