Ceasefire holding, evacuees start returning home

Evacuees living in shelters in two northeastern border provinces started returning to their homes on Sunday as the temporary ceasefire signed by Thailand and Cambodia appeared to be holding.

Buri Ram and Surin provinces on Sunday permitted people who had fled the deadly clashes  along the contested border to go back home. Their return in Surin was approved by provincial governor Jumreon Wanhpetch. 

In Surin, they were returning to homes in all border districts except Phanom Dong Rak. 

“Residents of Phanom Dong Rak district will be allowed to return later, after authorities assess the situation and declare it safe,” a post on the Surin provincial Facebook page announced.

In Buri Ram, people from Ban Kruat district decided to return to homes they fled from more than two weeks ago after the eruption of the latest round of armed clashes between the two nations. 

Many returnees admitted they were taking a risk, explaining that economic pressure was a key factor in their decision to attempt a return to normal life despite doubts the truce would  be fully implemented.

Ban Kruat resident Huen Chanprakhon said he had a grocery and food shop and his income was down to zero from about 5,000 baht a day before the fighting. He questioned Cambodia’s sincerity in agreeing to a ceasefire, but said he needed money to take care of the family.

Thailand and Cambodia signed an immediate ceasefire agreement during the General Border Committee (GBC) meeting on the border in Chanthaburi on Saturday, leading to a 72-hour ceasefire from noon on Saturday.

The 2nd Army, which is responsible for the northeastern region, on Sunday warned people returning home they should strictly follow the safety plan mapped out by their province. 

In Trat, tourism operators  welcomed the ceasefire  saying it should help restore the confidence of tourists and holiday-makers planning a trip to the eastern province. 

“With the signing of the ceasefire agreement, operators of tourism and related businesses felt a temporary sense of relief, hoping this would rebuild tourist confidence,” said Wipa Sunate, president of the Trat Chamber of Commerce and manager of Banpu Resort Trat in Muang district.

Source – Bangkok News