Wednesday, 21 October 2009

Shooting at border leads to govt probe


(Posted by CAAI News Media)

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 15:06 Thet Sambath

AN investigation has been launched into the fatal shooting of a Cambodian man on the border with Thailand, officials said on Tuesday.

Sim Bun Chhim, 25, is believed to have been shot by Thai troops stationed near Samrong district, Oddar Meanchey province, on Monday night.

The incident took place near the site where villagers believe a teenager was burned alive by Thai soldiers last month.

The victim, Sim Bun Chhim, from Chamcar Chek village in O’Smach commune, had been crossing the border illegally with two other men when the soldiers opened fire, Samrong town Governor Thon Nol said.

The others escaped, but Sim Bun Chhim sustained severe injuries and was being taken by oxcart to hospital when he died, Thon Nol added, condemning the killing.

“They crossed the border illegally, but [Thai troops] shot them like animals,” he said.

“They should have arrested them and sent them back to the Cambodian authorities.”

A report has been sent by Chhim Sivuth, deputy secretary general for Oddar Meanchey province, to the Ministry of Interior. Foreign Ministry spokesman Koy Kuong said he had yet to see the report, but has asked the Cambodian consulate in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province to investigate.

Officials at the Thai embassy could not be reached for comment on Tuesday, but Adhoc investigator Chan Soveth urged the two governments to conduct a joint investigation.

“Thai and Cambodian officials have to work together to investigate and arrest the killers,” he said.

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