Kantharalak on alert as RPG blasts trigger urgent evacuation
Authorities in Kantharalak ordered residents near the Thai–Cambodian border to evacuate within three hours after RPG fire was heard.
- An urgent evacuation was ordered in Si Sa Ket’s Kantharalak district after rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fire was heard during a border clash between Thai and Cambodian troops.
- The confrontation began when Cambodian forces opened fire on Thai soldiers, wounding two and prompting return fire from the Thai military.
- Residents in Kantharalak were given a three-hour window to evacuate, with police deployed to manage traffic and assist those leaving border areas.
- The military has placed four border provinces on high alert due to the unstable situation, directing residents in those areas to relocate to designated shelters.
Authorities in Si Sa Ket’s Kantharalak district ordered residents to evacuate within three hours on Sunday after rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) fire was heard near the Thai–Cambodian border, following an armed clash earlier in the day.
The confrontation began when Cambodian troops opened fire on Thai soldiers in the Phu Pha Lek–Phlan Hin Paet Kon area, close to Phu Makua. Two Thai soldiers were wounded, prompting units under the Second Army Area to return fire in line with rules of engagement.
Evacuees were seen moving through the Kantharalak city roundabout on Sunday afternoon, with police deployed to manage traffic and assist residents leaving border communities.
The Second Army Area’s operations centre later issued a warning to four border provinces—Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani—stating that the situation remained highly unstable and directing residents to relocate to designated shelters.
According to the military briefing, Cambodian forces began the attack at 2.16pm, escalating the exchange by using recoilless rifles. The clash ended at 2.50pm, but border units remain on high alert amid fears of broader escalation.
Officials urged all residents in border districts of the four provinces to follow evacuation plans immediately for their safety.
