SURIN — A Turkish international humanitarian organization has visited injured Thai soldiers along the Cambodia border, expressing concern over the Thai-Cambodia conflict and calling for peaceful resolution regardless of which side initiated hostilities.
Abdullah Altay, head of diplomatic humanitarian affairs at Turkey’s IHH – Humanitarian Relief Foundation, led a delegation to the Thai-Cambodia border area to visit and support families affected by the armed clashes that occurred from July 24-28.
The delegation then traveled to Surin Hospital on the evening of August 30, where they were welcomed by Hospital Director Dr. Chawamay Suebnukarn and medical staff, who briefed them on the border situation.
The hospital has been treating soldiers injured by PMN-2 landmine explosions and those wounded during Thai-Cambodia border clashes since the late July fighting. Even after a ceasefire agreement was reached, soldiers continuing patrol duties have continued to step on landmines, resulting in amputations.
After receiving the briefing, Altay visited Private Adisorn Pomklang, 22, the sixth Thai soldier to lose a limb to a PMN-2 landmine. His right leg was severed at the ankle while on patrol near bunkers 11-12 on the right side of Ta Kway Castle on August 27.
The delegation also visited two other soldiers injured in the clashes who remain hospitalized at Surin Hospital, both showing gradual improvement.
“I am deeply moved by what I witnessed today,” Altay said. “The injured soldiers and their families are those directly facing the consequences. On behalf of IHH, we have provided initial assistance through essential supplies, drinking water, and financial support to alleviate their hardship.”
He emphasized his organization’s primary hope: “What we most want to see is all parties turning to dialogue and finding peaceful solutions. Regardless of which side started first or last – we don’t focus on that. We want to see this conflict end through negotiation and work together to build peace in the border area.”
Private Adisorn expressed gratitude for the international concern, saying he feels overwhelmed by support. With his mother, wife, and young daughter by his side throughout his recovery, he welcomed the foreign organization’s hospital visit and sent a message to fellow soldiers on border patrol duty: “Please everyone stay careful and safe.”
The visit highlights growing international attention to the border tensions and ongoing humanitarian impact on Thai military personnel serving in the disputed area.
______