Residents in the border area of Surin Province are gradually returning home after the province announced that travel back to their hometowns is permitted. They thanked the soldiers who protect sovereignty and expressed a desire for a conclusive resolution, showing sympathy for the frontline troops and those who had to evacuate.
On 28 December 2025 GMT+7, reporters reported that following the GBC meeting results, a ceasefire agreement was signed for 72 hours, starting from 12:00 noon on 27 December.
Throughout today (28 December), along the main roads leading to the border, many people have started returning to their homes. For example, Mr. Samai Sangsomsanun, 82, a resident of Bak Dai Subdistrict whose home is near the Ta Kwai Castle, loaded his belongings onto a modified sidecar motorcycle and traveled with his daughter.
Mr. Samai said he was returning home to Bak Dai Subdistrict, Phanom Dong Rak District, where his house is near Ta Kwai Castle. He had evacuated since 7 December, traveling by sidecar motorcycle. He has a leg disability. He said if there are any more shootings after returning, he will come back again. His belongings remain on the vehicle so he can leave quickly if needed. He is concerned about his home and had evacuated earlier. He called his son-in-law, who said it is now possible to return.
He also said he does not believe Cambodia will honor the agreement. He said the whole situation stems from Hun Sen and Hun Manet; if these two were not involved, Thailand would be peaceful. He questioned why Cambodians would take Thai land and possessions. He hopes for an end to the conflict and feels sorry for the soldiers on the frontline. He expressed support for all soldiers protecting Thailand's sovereignty. The villagers face hardship, having to evacuate from their homes. He is renting a house where seven family members live together, paying 5,000 baht per month. Living in an evacuation center is difficult for him because of his leg disability and difficulty accessing bathrooms. Today, he is happy to return home but will leave again if fighting resumes.
Meanwhile, Surin Province announced that residents may return to their hometowns starting from Sunday, 28 December 2025 GMT+7 at 12:00 noon, with important guidelines and recommendations as follows:
1. Travel cautiously and stagger departures to avoid traffic congestion and accidents; there is no need to rush.
2. Return voluntarily; those who are not confident or do not wish to return yet may continue staying at temporary shelters.
3. Prepare for compensation; the government is expediting damage assessments to provide relief according to official regulations as soon as possible.
4. Safety first; if suspicious objects or unexploded ordnance are found, do not touch them. Report immediately to local authorities or officials for disposal.
5. Stay informed continuously; if there are additional emergencies, an alert system will notify residents promptly to evacuate to safe areas in time.