Border residents bought items to celebrate the New Year, but the crowd was not as dense as in previous festivals due to continued uncertainty about the situation. They remained ready to evacuate at any time, even though no gunfire had been heard for five days.
On 1 Jan 2026 GMT+7, reporters described the atmosphere at Surin province's border area, especially at the Chong Chom border market in Dan subdistrict, Kap Choeng district. On the first day of Buddhist Era 2569, border residents came early to buy fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats energetically to prepare for New Year celebrations with their families the next day. However, the crowd was not as large or dense as in past festivals because the situation remained uncertain despite five days without any gunfire or clashes.
Border residents have come to accept and become accustomed to the repeated fighting in the past. If Cambodia were to open fire again, they are ready to evacuate at any time and are less fearful than during the initial incidents.
Ms. Wilai Porn Suwanhong, a lottery vendor at the Chong Chom border, said she still did not trust the situation and remained prepared to evacuate at any time. She said if the ceasefire truly holds, it would be good so they could return to normal livelihoods because they were starving. Border residents are used to this hardship and just want it to end. Although locals suffer, border residents must accept the reality. Those not living on the border cannot understand how the border residents feel. She prayed for the safety of all Thai soldiers, saying the most pitiful are the soldiers who protect them. We sleep safely and happily because of them.
She expressed gratitude to the soldiers performing their duties at the border, wishing them good health and freedom from illness as they welcome the New Year. She hoped their families would live in peace and that no one would lose limbs or life. She said she did not want to hear bad news because the soldiers are working for them. Border residents are willing to dedicate everything for the soldiers.