The Chong Chom border market is beginning to regain activity as vendors gradually reopen their shops following Surin Province's announcement allowing access to the area. They hope to earn income during the New Year to compensate for losses, urging Thai people to support them and wishing for the safe return of all soldiers home safely.
A reporter reported that following the GBC meeting, a 72-hour ceasefire was signed, effective from 12:00 noon on 27 Dec 2025 GMT+7. Subsequently, Surin Province announced that people could return home starting at 12:00 noon yesterday (28 Dec 2025 GMT+7). Many people from temporary shelters began returning home in large numbers, though some remain hesitant due to concerns about the situation and distrust of Cambodia. Meanwhile, local rescue workers volunteered with ambulances and rescue vehicles to transport patients from temporary shelters back home.
On the morning of 29 Dec 2025 GMT+7 at about 07:30, a reporter visited the Chong Chom border trading area in Dan Subdistrict, Kap Choeng District, Surin Province. It was observed that border vendors hurried to open shops selling fresh goods, vegetables, pork, and various fruits enthusiastically for the first day after Surin Province announced that people could return home, except for villages in high-risk areas with unexploded ordnance, which must await clearance by EOD units.
The atmosphere was lively, although some shops remain closed due to ongoing uncertainty about the situation, so foot traffic is not yet as dense as under normal circumstances. Nonetheless, it is a positive development that people can resume trading. Many remain distrustful of Cambodia but must return to work and earn income after nearly a month of displacement and mounting debts. With the New Year festival approaching in a few days, vendors are eager to reopen shops, hoping more customers and tourists will support their goods.
Mrs. Kamphai Chuean-in, a pork butcher at the roadside in the Chong Chom border market area, said today was her first day selling pork and she felt happy. She said it was necessary to come sell to earn income after several days without earnings due to evacuation. Life must go on. She had evacuated to a relative’s home in Chom Phra District and returned promptly after the provincial announcement so she could try to earn some income during the New Year. On the first day, some customers came by. She invited Thai people to come buy goods at Chong Chom market during the New Year. The vendors are all Thai; no Cambodians remain as they have been sent back. She urged everyone to support fellow Thai vendors.
Mr. Aran Saengthong, a coffee vendor and animal lover who feeds stray cats and dogs, including abandoned dogs of Cambodian residents near Chong Chom border market, said more vendors and vehicles have returned. The condition of stray dogs and cats has improved as more people are helping care for them, easing the burden by half.
Regarding the ceasefire, he is about 50/50 confident, saying he does not fully trust Cambodia. If the ceasefire truly holds, it would be good so people can return to normal work without further evacuations. Villagers are suffering with high expenses for children, elderly, and families of 4-5 people. Instead of income, they face only costs.
He urged Thai people to come visit and buy goods at Chong Chom market. If peace holds, those traveling to the conflict area should support the border people who have endured hardship for over six months. He wished Thai soldiers good luck and safety, hoping they can soon return home to their families.
