Amid the relentless sound of explosions and gunfire, hundreds of Thai civilians have fled their homes near the Cambodian border, seeking safety from escalating violence. Temporary shelters in Thailand's eastern provinces are now overflowing with evacuees, many of whom recount terrifying journeys to escape the crossfire.
A Desperate Flight to Safety
"At least here I can't hear the blasts," said 42-year-old Somsak Liengprasert, one of hundreds now housed in a converted school building. Like many others, he abandoned his border village with only the clothes on his back when fighting between Cambodian government forces and rebel groups spilled across the frontier.
Border Communities Under Fire
The conflict, which began as an internal Cambodian military operation against insurgent positions, has increasingly affected Thai territory. Local authorities report at least three Thai villages have suffered collateral damage from stray artillery fire in the past week alone.
Humanitarian Crisis Unfolds
Thai officials have established emergency shelters in three provinces:
- Over 600 evacuees in Sa Kaeo province
- Nearly 400 in Buriram
- Approximately 200 in Surin
Medical teams are treating numerous cases of shock and minor injuries, while volunteers distribute food and basic supplies to the displaced families.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise
The Thai government has formally protested what it calls "unacceptable violations" of its territorial sovereignty. Cambodian officials maintain their operations target only rebel positions, blaming insurgents for firing into Thai territory.
As night falls on the border region, the sound of distant explosions continues to echo - a grim reminder of the conflict that has uprooted hundreds of lives.
