Cambodia & Border Conflict: “I heard the sound of gunfire, then nothing more”

Youk Chhang
6 hours ago
2 min read

In the midst of the tragedy of the border conflict with Thailand, Sergeant Samreth Pry, a dedicated soldier of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, lost his life in combat. At 58, he embodied bravery and devotion, sacrificing himself to defend his homeland.

A Life Dedicated to the Nation

Originally from Prey Veng, Samreth Pry was the son of the late Samreth Mon and Ngen Luon. His mother, now 83, lives in Kok Ko village. She proudly recalls her son’s journey: “My son joined the army at 15. From the beginning, he won the respect and affection of the villagers. He was a man of integrity, upright and faithful to his principles. He never did anything wrong.”

The Last Day Before the War

His wife, Tun Kim Leang, 37, mother of three daughters, emotionally recounts the final moments with her husband: “He came home for a few nights, just before the border flared up. Before leaving again, he asked me for 20,000 riels—about five dollars—saying, ‘My dear, I'm heading back to Phnom Troap.’”

She continues, her voice trembling:“Later, he called me to say he missed the kids and that I needed to take care of them. After that last call, I heard nothing more. I tried calling him, but got no response. Then, I was told he had been seriously injured by gunfire and shrapnel during the clash.”

Commitment Leading to Ultimate Sacrifice

Pry Lay Heang, his eldest daughter, speaks of the pain of having a father who was rarely home: “Dad was almost never at home. When he was, he’d often tell us that after the war, he would come home for good.”

Samreth Pry’s body was brought back to his native village, where his family, loved ones, and neighbors paid final respects. Their grief was tangible in every prayer and each shed tear, honoring a man who gave his life to defend the nation.

A Memory Engraved in the Collective Heart

This poignant account illustrates the harsh reality of a conflict that continues to leave its mark. It bears witness to the courage and determination of Cambodian soldiers, often on the front lines, confronting ongoing tensions at the border. The memory of Samreth Pry remains a symbol of sacrifice and loyalty to the Cambodian nation.