Sisaket: Border security in Sisaket province is alarmed, fearing a third clash between Thailand and Cambodia. Residents of Sisaket province fear for their safety, worried about a third clash on the Thai-Cambodian border after Cambodian troops moved their positions, with explosions heard and laser beams pointing at the Phu Pha Lek base being seen.
According to Thai News Agency, reporters went to Phum Srol village, Saothongchai subdistrict, Kantaralak district, Sisaket province, an area affected by recent clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, to follow up on the situation and the living conditions of the people. This follows an incident last night at 8:10 PM when a flare on the Thmor Chat operational base malfunctioned, illuminating the area. It is believed Cambodian soldiers passed through the area towards Thai forces. Later, at 9:00 PM, an M79 grenade launcher was heard approaching the Thai border, landing east of the Phu Pha Lek operational base.
People are continuing their lives as normal, despite concerns about a possible third clash. Due to the previous Thai-Cambodian border clashes that forced them to evacuate their homes for over 20 days, they don't want a repeat of the violence. A fruit juice vendor said he was relieved to return home but found a large bullet crater less than 30 meters away. Fortunately, he wasn't damaged, but he doesn't want a repeat of the incident, doesn't want to evacuate again, and wants the government to resolve the conflict. He believes the latest incident last night was the work of Cambodian soldiers.
In the border areas of Sa Kaeo province, particularly in Ban Nong Chan and Ban Nong Ya Kaeo in Khok Sung district, and Ban Bueng Takuan in Ta Phraya district, vigilance remains high. The Burapha Task Force continues to reinforce the border to ensure public safety and prevent potential violence from clashes between Thai and Cambodian soldiers following an explosion near the border in Kantaralak district, Si Saket province. The atmosphere in the villages is unusually quiet, with very few people on the roads. Many families are spending their holiday at home, while some have traveled to stay with relatives in other provinces, fearing a third round of clashes.
Grandma Ramin, 70 years old, told the news team that she is very worried and scared when she heard the news because she lives near the border and doesn't want to have to evacuate again. She also doesn't want fighting to break out. She admitted that she is still terrified of the past clashes, making it difficult for her to sleep at night, afraid of the sound of gunfire and explosions.
Meanwhile, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers continue their mission to search for and recover leftover BM-21 and mortar rounds from the previous incident. Fragments and shrapnel are still found scattered throughout rice fields and sugarcane plantations in several locations, to prevent harm to the public and farmers who still need to work in the agricultural areas.
When questioned about the incident, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed that there was no continuous firing. He also stated that the ceasefire agreement stipulates that if such incidents occur, the commanders of both sides should find a solution together. Once an agreement is reached, the conflict is considered resolved, but such incidents should not happen frequently. He added that the situation at the ground level has already been resolved through mutual agreement, and concluded by emphasizing the strength of the Thai military.