Cambodians leaving O’Smach border. Picture courtesy of Amarin TV

Thai residents in Chong Chom, Surin province, are experiencing anxiety as their Khmer neighbours from O’Smach, Oddar Meanchey, have started to evacuate their homes. The evacuations have sparked fears of renewed conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, following the recent loss of strategic strongholds by Cambodia along the border. Videos of O’Smach residents packing up and leaving, with captions expressing uncertainty about their return, have circulated widely.

Cambodia's decision to evacuate comes despite Thailand allowing Khmer evacuees to return to their villages, raising suspicions of looming hostilities. Local Thai vendor Sirirat Samjai expressed distrust in Cambodia's intentions, voicing readiness to evacuate if conflict resumes. She highlighted the importance of supporting Thai soldiers and maintaining Thai territory.

The Second Army Region reports a tense peace along the border, with both nations quietly bolstering military positions. Intelligence activities and reinforcement of troops are occurring despite an official ceasefire. Cambodia is reportedly enhancing bunkers and surveillance measures, while Thailand maintains territorial control and heightens alertness to potential threats, including mines and drones.

The prohibition on photography and drone use underscores the situation's sensitivity, highlighting fears of ceasefire violations. For now, a tense standoff persists, with both nations preparing defensively and monitoring each other's movements closely, reported Thai Newsroom.

Key Takeaways

• Thai residents fear renewed conflict after Khmer evacuations.

• Evacuations unfold amid strategic losses and growing distrust.

• Both nations reinforce positions, keeping a tense ceasefire.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2026-01-05

 

 

With apparently, stressing "apparently", both China and the USA supporting Cambodia, what has Cambodia got to lose?

Cambodia may be the (cyber) scam capital of the world, but Thailand is the coup d'etat capital; and although Thailand was once globally respected (last century), these days its status has declined dramatically (which even the current Thai Foreign Minister acknowledges).

If I would have lived in that particular part of the country, I would have packed and moved as well. You cannot trust the Cambodians and their clownery of government and you certainly cannot trust the Thai entertainment troupe of circus clowns.

So, in all honesty, wait for the next sh1tstorm to happen?

Local Thai vendor Sirirat Samjai expressed distrust in Cambodia's intentions, voicing readiness to evacuate if conflict resumes.

Maybe they want to go home and make a living ?

4 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Local Thai vendor Sirirat Samjai expressed distrust in Cambodia's intentions, voicing readiness to evacuate if conflict resumes.

Maybe they want to go home and make a living ?

Thanks, my thought as well.

I have used the O'Smach border crossing on several occassions and I know the area quite well. When the border was open, pre-conflict, trade between BOTH countries was extremely busy, every thing fromlarge trucks to hand carts! (photos below)

With borders closed = no trade = relocation to live and make business.