Prime Minister Hun Sen challenged military commanders, police and local authorities at the Cambodian-Thai border yesterday to put a halt to the illegal border crossings of Cambodian loggers.

Speaking in Siem Reap province at the inauguration of national road 68, Hun Sen urged a “campaign” to prevent Cambodians from being shot by Thai soldiers.

“Here, there is always sneaking to cut logs in Thailand. I speak honestly,” he said. “So please, kick off a campaign – why is there sneaking to cut their logs and [Thai soldiers] shooting us dead? Please look, the provincial governor, military, police, military police, please prevent this. Can you do it?”

Some Cambodians have also crossed over to Thai soil holding guns, provoking Thai authorities to shoot in self-defence, Hun Sen added.

The premier’s comments come in the wake of increased numbers of Cambodians being killed during crossings. According to Adhoc, 13 Cambodians were killed from January to March while illegally logging inThailand, compared to 13 total deaths last year.