Escalating clashes with Cambodia have raised fear among communities in northeast Thailand's border province of Surin.
More than a decade after the last deadly confrontation near the ancient Preah Vihear Temple, tensions between the two countries are rising once again.
Armed clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers broke out on Thursday morning, with both sides accusing the other of firing first.
Thailand has evacuated hundreds of thousands of civilians from the areas close to the fighting, though some residents have refused to leave.
Ongat Rasithong, a resident of Surin, chose to stay despite three rockets narrowly missed his house.
"It landed right here. Luckily, it missed my house. It almost fell on my cattle," said Ongat.
"I was afraid, afraid that it would hit my house. I just sat and heard the explosions. I told the women and children to evacuate, and I will stay and look after the house," he added.
The escalating tensions have put Surin on edge, with businesses closing, schools suspended, and anxiety mounting among residents.
"There has been great loss. Our military brothers have suffered. And our civilian brothers and sisters, their properties have also been lost. In this clash, the other side has more modern weapons, can shoot further, and also target communities. Therefore, a ceasefire must be reached quickly. As for other measures to find a solution, diplomatic and negotiation, they should be beneficial to our country," said Chamnan Chuenta, governor of Surin.
Escalating clashes with Cambodia raise fears among communities in Thai border province
