Villagers in Buri Ram evacuate amid panic over Cambodian artillery threat

Residents along the Thai-Cambodian border in Ban Kruat district, Buri Ram, on Friday (September 26) began evacuating in greater numbers after reports circulated that Cambodian troops had turned their artillery towards Thailand, fuelling fears of imminent clashes.

Those leaving are primarily bedridden patients and elderly people with relatives living at least 30 kilometres away from the frontier. Villagers still in the area are either healthier residents staying behind to watch over their homes and ready to evacuate at short notice, or families without relatives outside the district who remain because temporary shelters have yet to open, despite their anxiety.

In Ban Kruat town, many residents queued at petrol stations to fill their tanks in preparation, recalling previous clashes when long queues caused delays. This time, they said, being ready would allow them to leave immediately if artillery fire or an evacuation order were issued.

Wanchai Saewprakorn, 68, a resident of Ban Khok Krachai in Saitaku subdistrict, said her extended family of more than 10 people shared only one vehicle. Her children decided to send the elderly members to stay with relatives in Prakhon Chai district for safety. “I admit I am afraid,” she said, “because we don’t know what orders the Cambodian leader might give next.”

Some families along the Thai-Cambodian border have begun building makeshift bunkers near their homes, fearing they may not reach the village’s communal shelters in time if fighting breaks out again. Many worry that a second round of clashes would be even fiercer than before.

Tension remains high along the frontier as Cambodian troops continue to provoke Thai forces with small-arms fire. Reports also indicate that heavy weapons and reinforcements have been moved closer to the border, unsettling local communities. 

In the previous outbreak of fighting in late July 2025, Cambodian BM-21 rockets and artillery shells struck Ban Kruat district, damaging 14 houses, a temple and farmland, injuring two villagers and leaving more than 200 projectiles scattered across the area.

In response to the renewed provocations and troop movements, Thai security officials have barred villagers and farmers from entering rubber plantations near the border, citing safety concerns.

One villager, who is disabled along with her husband, recalled being unable to reach the communal shelter during the July clashes but said they were fortunate to escape injury. “This time, I fear it could be worse,” she said. 

Recently, the Khon Dee Foundation, led by actress and activist Panadda Wongphudee, helped her family by building a bunker next to their home. Completed only days ago, it has provided some reassurance that they can take cover before an official evacuation is ordered.

She added a message of support for Thai soldiers deployed at the frontline: “I send my encouragement to all the troops who sacrifice time away from their families to protect us and our land. May they all return safely.”