Cambodia Protests Thai House Demolitions, Bunker and Well Construction in Contested Sectors

Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement listing a sequence of Thai military activities on land it claims as its own: on August 31, Thai forces demolished two civilian houses in the Boeung Trakuon area of Trapeang Samraong village, Thmar Puok district, Banteay Meanchey province, then leveled the ground and raised an earthen embankment; from September 1-3, heavy machinery was used to build military bunkers near O'Khla Khmum Pagoda in O'Smach, Oddar Meanchey province; from September 4-7 a well was drilled at Chouk Chey village, O'Chrov district; and on September 7 further civilian structures were demolished at nearby Prey Chan village. The statement followed Cambodia's separate protest over the September 7 ASEAN Observer Team visit to Thai-held buildings near the Royal O'Smach Hotel.