Thai Authorities Shoot at 5 Men; 1 Injured, 4 Missing

One man was hospitalized and four remain missing after Thai authorities last week shot at a group of Cambodian men that crossed the border in Preah Vihear province in search of rosewood, police said Tuesday.

“The shooting occurred by Thai soldiers during rosewood cutters sneaking into the Thai forest at the border,” said Pich Sinhuot, deputy provincial military police chief.

Lor Chan, provincial coordinator for human rights group Adhoc, said he visited one of the injured men, Um Ra, 33, at Preah Vihear provincial hospital.

“I contacted him to ask about the identities of the four other men, but now his neck is hurt and he can’t speak clearly,” said Mr. Chan.

He added that Mr. Ra told him the group of men got lost while searching for mushrooms.

Mr. Chan said Thai authorities have shot six Cambodians sneaking across the border and into the forest so far this year.

Cambodia’s top diplomats have repeatedly urged the Thai military in recent years to stop shooting Cambodians who illegally cross the border, and instead try them in court.

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