Phnom penh: Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol visited thousands of displaced civilians near the Thai border on Wednesday, as official figures revealed that 10 days of hostilities have killed at least 17 people and forced nearly half a million from their homes.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, accompanied by Agriculture Minister H.E. Dith Tina, H.E. Sun Chanthol distributed food and emergency supplies at a temporary shelter in Mongkul Borey district. The visit comes amid reports of sustained artillery fire and aerial bombardments in civilian areas along the Cambodia-Thailand frontier.
Government data released Wednesday morning confirmed 17 civilians dead, including an infant, and 77 people wounded since fighting began on December 7. Moreover, more than 440,000 residents have fled to safety zones.
Addressing those in the shelters, H.E. Sun Chanthol, who also serves as the First Vice President of the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), called for national "solidarity" and urged civilians to follow the directives of Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet's administration. "We must stay strong and united to protect our homeland," H.E. Sun Chanthol said, emphasizing that territorial sovereignty and citizen safety remain the Royal Government's primary focus.
The Deputy Prime Minister also issued a public health warning, advising families in crowded temporary centers to observe strict hygiene protocols to prevent disease outbreaks.