Villagers and nationalist groups rally at Sa Kaeo border to defend Thai territory

Although the unrest — including protests, attempts to incite riots, the throwing of objects at soldiers, verbal abuse, and the dismantling of barbed-wire fences — has temporarily subsided, security forces and troops from the Burapha Task Force remain in full control of the situation.

Security sources reported that military units stationed in the area have implemented measures in line with operational protocols to maintain order, safeguard Thailand’s sovereignty, and ensure the safety of residents living along the border.

Nationalist groups from across the country joined local villagers in Sa Kaeo to rally at Ban Nong Chan, expressing frustration with what they described as repeated provocations and agitation by Cambodian groups.

Demonstrators chanted: “This is Thai soil, Cambodians must leave.” Some participants added that Thai citizens were compelled to confront Cambodians themselves, accusing the government of inaction and neglect of its responsibilities.

During the rally, a district officer attempted to intervene, but villagers insisted that their demonstration was taking place on Thai soil.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid travelling to the conflict area, as some Cambodians have continued to remain by the barbed-wire fence overnight.

Officials stressed that this measure is to minimise risks and enable security forces to carry out their duties effectively. They also expressed gratitude to the public for closely following developments and for supporting the soldiers safeguarding the border.

Meanwhile, Cambodian troops reportedly mobilised several hundred villagers and Buddhist monks, waving Cambodian flags, to positions opposite Ban Nong Chan — which lies within Thai territory according to demarcation lines.

Sources said they were prepared to use the crowd as human shields should clashes with Thai forces break out again.

Influencers and Bangkok residents rally at Ban Nong Chan

Hundreds of Bangkok residents and nationalist supporters, including well-known influencers, travelled to Ban Nong Chan village to join local villagers in confronting more than 200 Cambodians who had camped at the border to prevent Thai soldiers from reinforcing barbed-wire fencing.

Among them was “Jae Ae” from Saraburi, a prominent influencer, who joined others in singing the Thai national anthem and songs to encourage soldiers, while denouncing Cambodians who claimed Ban Nong Chan land belonged to Cambodia. 

Demonstrators waved Thai flags and chanted slogans to assert their determination to defend Thai soil.

Although soldiers had fenced off the area with barbed wire, one villager dismantled part of it, prompting the crowd to move closer. Soldiers quickly used loudspeakers to appeal for restraint, warning that escalation could provoke further confrontation. 

Jae Ae then urged demonstrators not to put soldiers in a difficult position, persuading the crowd to step back to the designated area.

Speaking to the crowd, Jae Ae said that although she was not from Ban Nong Chan, she was Thai and could not tolerate Cambodians dismantling barbed wire and insulting Thai soldiers on Thai soil. 

She criticised what she described as the government’s inaction and stressed that ordinary people had to step in to protect their country, admitting she was moved to tears by the situation.

Villagers from Khok Sung explained their reason for joining the rally: they wanted to drive Cambodian trespassers out so that local residents could farm and make a living again. 

They declared: “This is Thai land. If anyone takes it, we must push them out. We will not surrender Thai territory or leave our soldiers isolated — they are our children.”

Many villagers expressed deep frustration and sorrow, saying Cambodian groups had first torn down the barbed wire. 

Maj Gen Wanchana Sawasdee, deputy spokesman of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the villagers for gathering in solidarity.

“I sincerely thank you all for coming here with pure hearts. Everyone loves the nation and this land. We are Thais, and we will stand united for our country,” he said, as villagers responded with cheers.

In addition, villagers from Khok Sung delivered a message to Maj Gen Wanchana in both Thai and Khmer, calling for the commander of the First Army Area to be reassigned to the Second Army Area.

They also urged that the Sa Kaeo governor and the provincial land office be transferred along with him, while requesting that the commander of the Second Army Area be placed in charge of the First Army Area instead.