Since the ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia came into effect on the 29th local time, the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border has been easing, but the order at the border has not yet returned to normal. The people of Sukhumvit Province in Thailand have expressed their most urgent wish is to return home as soon as possible.
Ms. Ting, a lecturer at a university in Sukhumvit Province, told the station that her life had undergone a significant change on July 24.
Ting, a teacher at a university in Sukhumvit Province:
The day of the conflict, we were completely unprepared. On the afternoon of the 24th, I saw many people coming from other areas, such as Paungtong and Khlong Saen districts. Seeing them made me very sad and I even cried.
Ms. Ting’s husband is a military personnel, and they live in a military camp in Sukhumvit Province. On July 26, Ms. Ting’s family was notified that they needed to move to a safer place, which forced her to live separately from her husband.
Ting, a teacher at a university in Sukhumvit Province:
I think no one wants to encounter situations that affect daily life. We really want peace and to return to normal life. We are tired. I believe everyone wants to be with their families at home, there is nowhere better than home. I just want to be with my husband, son, and live a normal life with my family, hoping everything will get back to normal soon.
After the conflict in Thailand and Cambodia broke out, Ms. Long’s village, located along the border, was bombarded by artillery shells. That day, she brought her sick father to an emergency shelter, looking forward to returning to her own home soon.
Long, a refugee at the temporary shelter in Sukhumvit Province:
We all hope that the situation can calm down soon so that everyone can bring their loved ones home. No one wants to stay here. I hope the situation can return to normal, and everything can get back to peace as soon as possible. I want to go home, live a warm and harmonious life with my family like before.
People cannot return home, students cannot attend school. According to data from the Ministry of Education in Thailand, five students were tragically killed in this conflict, and three others were injured. To date, over 900 schools across seven provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border have been closed. Only after the military confirms the safety of the area will schools resume classes.
Bang, a student at a university in Sukhumvit Province, said:
I also hope that this tense situation can ease, allowing our schools to return to normal teaching. I hope that my parents, siblings, and other relatives who have taken refuge here can safely return to their hometowns.
The conflict in Thailand and Cambodia has disrupted the normal lives of border residents, but the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border is currently easing. On August 4th, both countries will hold a special meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Border Commission to promote further stability along the border and allow people from both sides to return to their homes sooner. (CCTV Reporter: Song Huanyu)