Sisaket: A team of Pheu Thai Party parliamentary candidates from the military and diplomatic sectors recently visited the Thai-Cambodian border to assess the situation and address the concerns of residents living in the area. Villagers have been pleading for urgent relief measures and assurances of safety, expressing their desire to return to rubber tapping without fear of further clashes.
According to Thai News Agency, the People's Party's list-based parliamentary candidates, including Air Chief Marshal Phurit Chankaew, Mr. Sorasak Somrakraisornkit, Commander Kittipong Piyawanno, and Mr. Thanat Thamkaew, alongside constituency-based candidates from Sisaket Province, visited affected residents in Ban Saothongchai, Ban Nongmek, and Ban Sammeng. These communities suffered significant property damage from a BM-21 bomb attack on December 13, 2025, resulting in casualties from shrapnel wounds.
At Ban Saothongchai, the homes of Mrs. Boonserm Kraingam and Mrs. Thongsuk Monthaisong were severely damaged, impacting their vehicles and agricultural equipment. Meanwhile, in Ban Nongmek, the fire-damaged properties included houses, silk fabrics, and motorcycles. Despite receiving essential supplies from government agencies, residents reported the loss of income and ongoing fears due to unexploded ordnance and the potential for further conflict.
The residents' immediate needs include the expedited reconstruction of their homes, as they currently rely on a temporary housing allowance. They also seek a suspension of debt payments to the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives and an accelerated disbursement of relief payments to manage daily expenses. The villagers emphasized their inability to resume rubber tapping due to safety concerns, urging the government to ensure peace and security.
The People's Party delegation extended condolences to the family of Mr. Samai Chandiyuen, a village security guard who succumbed to injuries from a BM-21 bomb. The family has requested compensation and educational support for their child, highlighting the need for government assistance.
In their recommendations to the government, the People's Party advocated for streamlined relief efforts and integrated approaches among agencies. They also suggested exploring new debt relief options, including debt forgiveness and increased compensation, to alleviate the residents' hardships.