One year remembrance ceremony held for eight victims of BM-21 rocket attack on Ban Phue gas station, while the owner urges the government to speed up compensation and calls for an end to Thai-Cambodian border violence to prevent repeated tragedy. The owner appeals for urgent action to avoid further loss.
At 10:00 a.m. on 22 July 2026, reporters noted that at the PTT Ban Phue gas station in Yang Lat Subdistrict, Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province, Colonel Thalad Poolsawat, commander of Task Force 23 (TF 23), along with Colonel Surakit Kalnet, commander of Task Force 1 (TF 1) of the Suranaree Task Force, military personnel, local residents of the Thai-Cambodian border area, bereaved families, and related agencies gathered to hold a merit-making ceremony. The event marked the first anniversary of the border clash to honor those who died and were affected by the incident.
The ceremony was graciously presided over by Phra Rajamangkhalawatcharajan (Luang Ta Yuen Khantipalo), abbot of Wat Khao Sala Atul Thana Jaro in Bua Ched District, Surin Province, who led monks in chanting Buddhist scriptures and dedicating merit to the deceased. The atmosphere was filled with deep sorrow and hope for peace to return to the border area.
The clash at the PTT Ban Phue gas station occurred on 24 July 2025, the first day of fighting between Thailand and Cambodia. Cambodian forces fired multiple BM-21 rockets into Thai territory, some landing near the gas station. The attack resulted in eight deaths and 13 injuries, as well as extensive damage to the gas station building and local property. It stands as one of the major losses suffered by residents in Sisaket's border region.
Mrs. Kamnarat Phonsethlert, owner of the PTT Ban Phue gas station, revealed that although the incident happened on 24 July 2025, the merit-making ceremony was held on 22 July 2026 due to the availability of Luang Ta Yuen to officiate. She said she still vividly remembers the first day of fighting and remains startled and fearful whenever loud noises occur.
Regarding compensation, private sector assistance has been provided, but no aid has come from the government. In January 2026, she met with Anutin Charnvirakul during his visit to Buriram Province, who promised to expedite support. Later, Peerapong Meunphong, head of Sisaket's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, called to say compensation approval was forthcoming. However, no assistance has been received to date, prompting her to submit a letter to the Prime Minister's Office seeking clarity, as nearly a year has passed since the incident.
The gas station owner added that every household in the border area has been affected. Recovering livelihoods and trade is challenging. Concerns persist about a potential third clash since Cambodian forces remain close to the border. Residents have rehearsed evacuation plans and are ready to close the station and evacuate immediately upon warning. She urged the government to clearly define the border, remove encroachers, allocate funds to frontline personnel, and improve communication systems to enhance operational efficiency and community safety.
Mrs. Busaba Khamwang, mother of Kittisak “Nong SEA Games,” one of the deceased, said that even after one year, she has not come to terms with her loss and feels as if her son is still with her. Although aid has come from various sectors, the loss cannot be replaced. She lives every day missing her son and strongly wishes for no further clashes. She supports closing the border checkpoint and ending commercial relations between Thailand and Cambodia.
Meanwhile, Mr. Komsan Prachan, who lost his wife and two children in the same incident, said he was present on the day and the images of loss remain vivid. Today marks his first return to the gas station after one year. He has never entered the station since, as it brings back painful memories of his family. After the tragedy, he returned to his hometown in Bueng Malu Subdistrict, Kantharalak District, to live with his mother. Despite time passing, he thinks of his family daily. In April, he ordained as a monk for 15 days to dedicate merit to his wife and children and plans to continue merit-making ceremonies for them.
Regarding compensation, Mr. Komsan said he has received full government assistance. Concerning the border situation, he hopes no third clash occurs, as it would force evacuations, loss of income, disruption of livelihoods, and ongoing fear. If unavoidable, he wants the conflict to end decisively and not drag on. He confirmed that border residents always keep packed bags and essentials ready to evacuate immediately if tensions rise or fighting resumes.