Twenty-one years after the 2004 tsunami almost wiped out Ban Nam Khem, the small fishing village is coping with changing geological, demographic and employment woes while struggling to keep its way of life and passing on lessons of survival to future generations.

Thailand has denied that its removal of a Hindu statue erected by Cambodian troops in a disputed border area was a mark of religious disrespect, amid a growing outcry from Indians as well as Cambodians.

Cambodia continues to fire heavy weapons at Thai civilian areas despite repeated protests by Thailand in international forums, while spreading false accusations about Thailand through its embassies, Thai authorities said on Thursday.

Military officers from Thailand and Cambodia began talks on Wednesday in Chanthaburi province, amid hopes that the defence ministers of the two countries would join them on Saturday to put the finishing touches on a ceasefire.

Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul will be his party’s sole prime ministerial candidate in the Feb 8 general election, a party official said as it staged a policy launch full of confidence on Wednesday.

Cambodia has continued firing heavy weapons at Thai border areas, prompting Thailand to question Cambodia’s sincerity ahead of planned truce negotiations.