Kantharalak: Chaos ensued in Kantharalak City, Sisaket Province, as officials evacuated 170 individuals, including patients, to escape the threat of artillery shells. Doctors, nurses, and local residents found themselves in a state of panic, with some breaking into tears.
According to Thai News Agency, the turmoil began earlier in the day after a BM21 rocket struck a convenience store at a PTT gas station in Ban Phue, Muang Subdistrict, around 10:50 a.m., resulting in seven fatalities and over ten injuries. Additionally, another fatality was discovered in a nearby rubber plantation, approximately 800 meters from the gas station.
In a harrowing account, a convenience store employee who narrowly survived the explosion shared the terrifying experience of multiple bombs detonating and a subsequent fire, forcing him to flee through the back door.
The crisis escalated when artillery shells landed near the 224th Border Patrol Police station around 3:00 p.m., approximately one kilometer from the initial incident. Simultaneously, a BM21 rocket hit a house in Nam Yen, Tambon Mueang, Amphoe Kantharalak, causing complete destruction but no casualties, as the area had already been evacuated.
Kantharalak Hospital became a scene of chaos as officials hastily evacuated over 170 patients following a security tip-off indicating the potential for intensified conflict in the city. The unexpected evacuation left patients, families, and medical staff in shock, with many in tears. Patients were relocated to Sriratana Hospital, and critically ill individuals were transferred to Sisaket Hospital.
Mr. Anupong Suksomnit, Governor of Sisaket Province, stated that ambulances from all 22 districts were mobilized to aid in the evacuation effort. Coordination with central, regional, and local agencies was also established to provide comprehensive assistance. Temporary shelters have been set up to accommodate evacuees from high-risk areas.
Governor Anupong urged residents hesitant to evacuate due to concerns about property or pets to cooperate with evacuation measures. Village Security Forces (VSF) and local leaders are actively monitoring each village to ensure safety and encourage evacuation to designated meeting points.
Since the onset of the crisis, over 41,000 people have been evacuated, leaving only VSF and a few men to guard properties. Approximately 400 individuals remain stranded in conflict-prone areas. The Kantharalak District Office serves as a coordination point rather than an evacuation center, ensuring efficient direction to 24 planned evacuation sites across various districts.
Challenges have emerged as local administrative bodies await clarity on conflict disaster area declarations, delaying budget expenditures. Some drivers are hesitant to evacuate stranded villagers due to safety concerns.
An electrical appliance wholesaler expressed apprehension about leaving due to business concerns, planning to assess the situation overnight. Past experiences from the 2011 clash suggest intensified nighttime battles, with visible weapon fire.
The Thai-Cambodian border in Kantharalak District is a focal point of intense clashes. In addition to the eight Thai casualties, updates from the 2nd Army Region highlight ongoing developments in the Phu Makhuea and Khao Satta Som areas near Preah Vihear Temple, where Thai soldiers maintain strategic positions.