PTT Petrol Station Reopens After Deadly Shelling Incident

Pictures courtesy of Matichon.

A petrol station in Ban Phue, Sisaket province, which was struck by shellfire in a recent cross-border incident that left many people dead and injured, reopened for business on 5 Separate, with customers and staff expressing both relief and lingering anxiety.

The PTT station, whose convenience store was hit directly by a missile, resumed operations for the first time since the attack. Locals said they were glad to see the station back in service but admitted they still feared further violence.

One customer, a resident of nearby Bueng Malu, told reporters: “I travel this route regularly and always stop at Ban Phue station because it’s close to home. When it was shut after the blast, I had to go elsewhere. I’m happy it’s open again, though of course there’s still some worry about the situation.”

For staff, the memories remain raw. Ms. Wipada, 50, a pump attendant who was on duty during the explosion, recalled the terrifying moment: “I was filling a customer’s tank when I heard the first blast behind the 7-Eleven. I thought it was on the other side of the border and wouldn’t reach us. But within a minute another shell landed right at the shop near where I was working. I dropped the nozzle and ran for my life. I truly thought I wouldn’t survive.”

Remarkably, the reopening day also coincided with Ms. Wipada’s birthday. “I was nervous to come back,” she said, “but I have to make a living. I’m not going to leave this job. I believe the military can protect us, but I pray this never happens again. People here are already struggling, some barely have enough to eat. Incidents like this make life unbearable.”

Station owner Ms. Kamonrat Pholsethales said that while customer numbers were not yet back to pre-incident levels, business had restarted. “Our 7-Eleven is now operating from a small mobile container shop, so staff can continue working and earn an income. We are waiting for clarity from the government on compensation and support. What we need is commitment that our case won’t be forgotten.”

Provincial energy officials, along with representatives from CP ALL and PTT, visited the site to inspect readiness on its first day back in service. PTT also donated 30,000 baht to employee Mr. Apinan Phochan, who was injured in the blast.

Despite the apprehension, Ms. Kamonrat urged customers to return. “We’re open, we have everything you need, even if we’re not a big station. Please support us,” she said.

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https://aseannow.com/topic/1368814-govt-orders-payout-for-rocket-hit-petrol-station/

https://aseannow.com/topic/1367711-cambodian-bm-21-rocket-strike-hits-petrol-station-injures-dozens-including-students/

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-09-06