Asian journalists visit damaged sites in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province

Preah Vihear — On the morning of August 29, 2025, journalists from China, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia travelled hundreds of kilometres from Siem Reap to Oddar Meanchey to examine and report on sites the Cambodian account said were affected by Thai military bombs. The journalists visited Ph’aong village in Koun Kriel ward, Samraong city, and Thma Daun village in Kouk Mon commune, Banteay Ampil district. The report said heavy MK-84 bombs and 105 mm, 127 mm and 155 mm shells had struck temples, health centres, schools, petrol stations and homes. Oddar Meanchey Governor Mean Chanyada, Cambodian Mine Action Centre Director General Heng Ratana and local officials welcomed the journalists. The mine action director briefed them on the dangers and impact he attributed to Thai heavy bombs and on plans to clear and neutralise munitions said to release toxic smoke and seriously harm residents’ health. Cambodia’s Ministry of Information coordinated the visit as part of the regional Safety and Risk Management in Conflict Reporting workshop, held on August 28–31, 2025. As part of the workshop, journalists visited the field to learn about reporting in tense situations and border conflicts and to exchange experience and good practices. On the morning of August 28 the group also visited a temporary shelter for displaced people at Wat Po 5000 in Kulen Tboung village, Kulen district, Preah Vihear province, and interviewed officials and residents. The group planned further visits to Ou Bei Choan commune and nearby villages in O’Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province. The Cambodian report alleged that Thai troops had entered those areas to lay barbed wire and attack homes. By Preah Sihanouk Provincial Television.