Buriram arranged transport services to take evacuees back to their hometowns after the 2nd Army Region announced that the border conflict situation had eased. Many were happy to return home, hoping this would be the final conflict. They felt sympathy for the soldiers and wished to avoid further losses.
On 29 Dec 2025 GMT+7, Buriram province, together with Chang International Circuit, the provincial transport office, the 26th Military Circle, Buriram Provincial Police, and several other agencies, organized air-conditioned buses, songthaews, and military vehicles to transport residents who had fled fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border and stayed at the temporary shelter at Chang International Circuit, Mueang District, Buriram Province, for over 20 days. They were now returning to their hometowns in Ban Kruat and Lahan Sai districts after the 2nd Army Region declared the border conflict situation had eased, allowing residents along the border to return to their homes and residences as normal.
Mr. Newin Chidchob, chairman of Buriram United Football Club, Mr. Sritam Rajkaew, deputy governor, and heads of government agencies joined in dispatching the convoy to send evacuees back to their hometowns. Before departure, officials distributed food, drinks, snacks, and essential items for the evacuees to take with them.
Mr. Newin Chidchob said before dispatching the convoy, “Today, from Ubon Ratchathani to Buriram, the army has successfully dealt with the Cambodian side. We have regained all our Thai land, including Prasat Ta Kwai, Prasat Ta Muen Thom, Chong Songam, and Chong Bok—all areas are back under our control. On the first day the evacuees came here, and after the Prime Minister visited them, they told him, ‘Please let this be the last time.’ I believe it will be the last time, and that we have fully regained our Thai land. I hope everyone can celebrate the New Year happily and with fulfilled hopes. If there are any issues, please report through the village headmen or local leaders. If anyone’s house or belongings were damaged by artillery or BM21 rockets, please let us know. I and the province will do our best to address these issues for everyone. I wish you happiness and a prosperous New Year.”
When asked, residents unanimously expressed joy at returning home after having to take refuge in the shelter for more than 20 days. Although the shelter provided comfortable accommodation, food, and good care from officials, they said there is no place like home. They also mentioned that despite the ceasefire negotiations, they remain somewhat worried that Cambodia might not honor the agreement as before. Nonetheless, they pray that this fighting will be the last time, as they do not want to evacuate again. Each evacuation is difficult and disruptive, forcing them to leave their homes, livestock, and lose income.
At the same time, residents called on the government to urgently build a fence or wall clearly marking the border. If possible, they do not want the border checkpoints reopened, fearing the recurrence of disputes. They feel sympathy for the frontline soldiers who sacrifice their lives to protect the land and the people, and they do not want any more losses to occur.
