"Thai refugees seek safety from border fighting: 'No explosions here'"

Renewed Clashes Force Thousands to Flee Thai-Cambodian Border

For nearly two months, Maneerat Kote-Bandit had sensed growing unease, fearing the tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border could worsen. Residents in her village, near the contested area, had prepared emergency supplies, bracing for possible violence. "We monitored updates, staying vigilant and wondering, 'Will today be the day?'" she recalled.

Yet, when the roar of artillery and gunfire erupted on Thursday morning, panic still gripped her. The explosions began between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., followed by a loudspeaker announcement urging people to evacuate.

Maneerat’s nephews, aged eight and nine, were sent home from school, and the family rushed into her pickup truck. Relatives shouted for others to hurry as they scrambled to leave.

"We were frightened, but we had to keep our composure," said Maneerat.

They are now sheltering near a municipal center, where over 100 people sleep on bamboo mats beneath a metal structure. They are among more than 130,000 displaced from border regions following the deadliest clashes between Thailand and Cambodia in a decade.

"There have been difficult times before, but nothing like this," said In Chanthathep, 72, also at the shelter. A lifelong resident of Nam Yuen district in Ubon Ratchathani, she had never heard fighting so near her home.

"It was sudden—just a loud noise, and I panicked," In said, adding that she had no time to gather belongings before her son carried her to their car and drove to safety.

Conditions at the shelter are basic but secure. In has received donated clothes and a pillow and registered for a blanket.

"Here, I can’t hear the explosions. At least I feel some peace," she said.

Nearby, staff distribute toiletries while a news broadcast shows footage of buildings damaged by shelling.

In Thailand, 15 people—including 14 civilians—have been killed. A Cambodian official reported one civilian death in Oddar Meanchey province, though national authorities have not confirmed the toll.

Over 60 shelters have been set up in Det Udom district, where Maneerat and In are staying, roughly 40 miles from their villages. No one knows how long they will remain displaced.

Maneerat, who works at a flour factory with her sisters, is unsure if they will receive wages during the closures. "This will undoubtedly hurt local livelihoods," she said.