Thai-Cambodia evacuees welcome truce, yet emotions stay mixed
Hope and Doubt at the Thai‑Cambodian Border
Evacuees Await Midnight Truce
At an evacuation centre in Surin province, farmer Jeanjana Phaphan clutches a fragile thread of hope. 48‑year‑old Jeanjana fled her home with a three‑year‑old son a few days ago, looking toward a ceasefire that midnight Monday will “unconditionally” begin.
The Toll of the Conflict
- Nearly 300,000 people fled as artillery and rockets roared along a jungle‑clad frontier.
- At least 38 people died in five days of fighting over disputed territory, home to ancient temples.
- The truce was signed in Malaysia, mediated by Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim after interventions by the US and China.
Jeanjana’s Voice
She said, “If the ceasefire really happens, I’m overjoyed— the happiest I’ve felt in a long time.” She warned, “When I hear neighbors say their roof was pierced by bullets, it makes me heavy‑hearted. The sound of people crying from loss is truly heartbreaking.”
Other Evacuees Share the Same Uncertainty
Farmer Tee Samanjai sat on a straw mat with his wife. He imagined a return to the fields, but “I still have doubts that Cambodia will follow through”. In Cambodia, farmer Say Yoeun lamented, “I miss my home and livestock—and I cannot take care of my paddy field.”
Governments Face the Reality of Rural Life
Thai Kavindhra Tiamsai said, “A ceasefire is a good option but also the minimum. What we need is a comprehensive, grounded plan that speaks to the realities of rural life.” She added, “One that doesn’t assume evacuation is easy—or even possible when most families have no transport, no money, and no safety net.”
Next Steps
If the truce holds, commanders are due to meet early Tuesday morning to allow villagers to return home and assess the conflict’s cost.
