Cambodian military families mourn as nation’s Thai conflict toll exceeds 50

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1. SS: Ananth Baliga and Phoung Vantha, writing in *Nikkei Asia*, report that Cambodia’s recent five-day border conflict with Thailand has left far more dead than the government admits, with Facebook posts from official agencies, provincial administrations, and senior leaders suggesting over 50 Cambodian security personnel and border police were killed, compared with the government’s claim of just five military and eight civilian deaths.

   The analysis highlights the case of Leam Sampov Meas, a border policeman killed by shellfire, whose widow and child now receive limited government support, and points to concentrated losses at contested temple sites such as Preah Vihear, Ta Moan Thom, and Ta Krabey. While Thai authorities confirmed 30 deaths, Cambodia has largely suppressed acknowledgment, with Defense Ministry officials refusing to comment.

   According to Arizona State University’s Ear Sophal, this silence reflects the government’s strategy to avoid questions about preparedness and leadership, since open recognition of casualties could shift patriotic sentiment into demands for accountability.

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