Residents, including parishioners living near the Thailand–Cambodia border, have begun returning to their villages following a ceasefire agreement reached during the recent General Border Committee (GBC) meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
However, local Church leaders warn that life is far from normal.
Fr. Paolo Pradabsin Duangthong, pastor of three parishes in the Diocese of Ubon Ratchathani, told LiCAS News that Sunday Mass remains suspended in some communities because many evacuees are still unsettled, some have yet to return, and certain areas remain off-limits due to security concerns.
“At St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Nam Yuen District, for example, only about 60 percent of parishioners have come back,” he said. “The rest remain displaced, fearing renewed violence, and many of their homes are damaged beyond repair.”
Recent border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia have left widespread destruction, with artillery and rocket fire from the Cambodian side damaging numerous houses. “Not all evacuees can return,” Fr. Paolo said. “They are still waiting for support to rebuild their homes.”
The priest described the crisis as a “serious blow” to the livelihoods of people along the border, including Christian communities. “There is a lack of financial liquidity in both the economic and social sectors, insecurity of life and property, and worsening mental health. Fear and anxiety over possible threats have deeply unsettled people’s lives,” he explained.
On Sunday, Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the government is considering amending regulations to increase compensation for damaged homes beyond standard relief payments.
This follows recent policy changes allowing the use of central budget funds for additional support in cases of military or civilian deaths. Details will be announced soon.
Even in areas where villagers have returned, tensions remain high. “Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Church cannot yet be celebrated because residents are still on alert, ready to evacuate again at any time due to the continued military presence on both sides of the border,” Fr. Paolo said.
He recalled the panic on July 24 when fighting broke out without warning. “The school was operating as normal until the sound of cannons and gunfire erupted. Officials quickly ordered an evacuation, but people were caught unprepared, leading to chaos and fear,” he said.
Authorities have kept certain areas restricted because of the danger posed by unexploded ordnance allegedly left behind by Cambodian forces.
Concerns remain that the ceasefire may not hold. “Some locals have told me they fear fighting could break out again,” Fr. Paolo noted.
Those fears deepened on Saturday morning when three Thai soldiers were injured after stepping on a landmine during a routine patrol along the disputed border. It was the fourth such incident since mid-July.
In earlier cases, the Thai army claimed the mines had been newly laid by Cambodian forces.
For now, border residents are trying to rebuild their lives — but uncertainty and danger remain part of daily life.
