‘Human shields’: Hun Sen’s hidden strategy to escalate tensions
“The Ban Nong Chan area in Khok Sung district, Sa Kaeo province, has become a flashpoint as Cambodian troops reportedly use civilians as human shields to pressure Thai soldiers.”
“Importantly, Hun Sen’s strategy appears aimed at extending the conflict to the 2nd Army Area, simultaneously pressuring Thailand to reopen the Khlong Luek checkpoint near Poipet, where 26 casinos have been struggling due to the economic downturn.”
“Previously, casinos and call centres had an average daily income of 50-100 million baht each, with a total daily revenue of 1.3-2.6 billion baht.”
“After the closure of the border, Cambodia’s revenue from these businesses dropped by over 70%. Despite this, some income continues from flights between Phnom Penh and Bangkok, with 78 weekly flights, as well as flights from Siem Reap to Bangkok, which still run 38 times a week.”