Villagers remain cautious after Cambodian forces fired a 40mm grenade near an operational base in the Phlan Hin Pad Kon area. They are preparing to evacuate if a third round of fighting occurs and call on the government to ensure readiness and provide adequate compensation because people have lost income due to the situation.
According to the Second Army Region's statement regarding clashes near the operational base in the Phlan Hin Pad Kon area of Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province, on 24 February 2026 at 08:50, troops from the Thai unit stationed there were on duty in the area under their control when a single 40mm grenade was fired from the lower area, landing near the cliff edge about 2 kilometers northeast along the cliff line from Phlan Hin Pad Kon.
After the incident, our forces fired warning shots toward the lower cliff area to deter and control the situation.. Immediately and subsequentlyFollowing military procedures, once the situation calmed, commanders from both sides coordinated to verify facts and emphasized adherence to the ceasefire agreement for the troops in the area..
On 25 February 2026, reporters visited a border village in Sisaket Province and found that villagers were still living normally without panic.There has been no evacuationfrom the areaso far.
In conversation with reporter, Mr. Raksakul, 70, said that upon hearing about the Cambodian gunfire into Thailand yesterday, he felt indifferent as he has experienced several serious clashes before. However, he is concerned for villagers farming near the border.
Currently, all border villagers and families are constantly preparing to pack belongings in case of evacuation. But if evacuation is ordered, he prefers to stay to watch over the village and help protect neighbors' property from thieves during any evacuation. Since evacuation costs money and resources are limited, he intends not to evacuate.
Mr. Raksakul added that he fears another clash because Cambodians still tend to be aggressive. If fighting happens again, he hopes for increased military strength and decisive defense measures—if offensive action is necessary, it should be taken promptly.
Ms. Orathai, 46, expressed worry after news of Cambodian troops firing into Thai territory and Thai forces responding. She fears a third round of clashes and feels sympathy for soldiers who have yet to return home and must keep watch continuously.She added,
that border residents have been preparing for evacuation since the first clashes, packing clothes,valuable documents,and belongings into vehicles without unpacking. They remain ready to evacuate at any time if a third clash occurs.They are prepared 24 hours a day.
She urged the government to ensure evacuation centers are fully prepared, withrestrooms and adequate accommodations,especially for vulnerable groups, with officials available to assist residents. She also called for sufficient government compensation for evacuees, including money for food, supplies,diapers,medications, and travel fuel costs, as people have had to pay out of pocket.The compensation
of 5,000 baht provided each time is insufficient, especially since residents lose income from rubber tapping and farming, unable to work due to fear of renewed fighting. She has already prepared food, rice, clothes packed in bags, and important documents stored in her vehicle, ready to evacuate because she no longer trusts the Cambodians.