Border villagers in panic as Cambodian military drones fly over Thai airspace for four consecutive nights, urge PM to take immediate action

Border residents in Ban Kruat district, Buriram province, are gripped with anxiety and sleepless nights after recent incidents involving Cambodian military incursions. After Cambodian soldiers crossed the border and fired warning shots at locals gathering mushrooms in Chanthaburi subdistrict, and villagers from Surin province were detained for over ten days while foraging, communities remain on high alert. Over the past four nights, four to five unidentified drones have been spotted flying over Thai airspace at night, leaving residents fearful and reluctant to venture out for daily livelihood activities. Many worry about potential clashes and fear being abducted by Cambodian forces crossing illegally into Thai territory.

Villagers are urgently calling on Prime Minister Anuthine Charnveerakul and the Interior Ministry to construct a border wall as previously promised during campaigning. They emphasize that sections of the Buriram border are flat terrain where people can easily cross, creating vulnerability to Cambodian incursions. A border fence would prevent Cambodia from violating Thai sovereignty and provide crucial protection for border communities.

Namsai shop owner Phon Aksorn, 60, expressed her distress over the recent incidents and drone sightings that have prevented sleep and normal activities. Resident Padeeprom Sri echoed similar concerns, noting that after previously evacuating due to conflict, villagers have only recently resumed normal economic activities. She stressed the urgent need for the government to expedite border wall construction using already-pledged donation funds to ensure the safety of border communities and prevent future armed clashes.