Surin border villagers fear fighting, worry for family in Dubai

2026-03-04 - 06:13

SURIN — 3 March 2026, Residents along the Thai-Cambodian border in Phanom Dong Rak district are facing renewed stress as tensions persist, while also worrying about family members working overseas in conflict-hit areas. Reporters visiting Ban Non Yang Kut, Moo 10, Bak Dai subdistrict, found villagers accelerating their farm work in anticipation of a possible third round of fighting. The village lies about 4–5 km from Chong Krang, an area affected during the first and second rounds of clashes. Several BM-21 rockets fired from the Cambodian side previously landed in the area, causing widespread damage to crops. After completing rubber tapping and harvesting sugarcane, many farmers are now rushing to replant sugarcane in case further hostilities erupt. Residents tend to the fields, hoping that further damage from the war doesn’t cause damage and evacuations Concern has also grown for local residents working abroad. Some villagers from Phanom Dong Rak district are employed in Israel and Dubai, both of which have been affected by missile attacks linked to the Iran conflict. Leu Somyathawi, 69, a resident of Ban Non Yang Kut, said her daughter and grandson are working in Dubai. She recently spoke with her daughter, who is based in the capital. “She told me it’s as difficult in Dubai as it is along the border here. They also have to run from explosions after Iran launched heavy missile attacks. But there is nothing they can do because they chose to go there to work, so they have to endure it,” Ms. Leu said. She expressed particular concern for her grandson, who lives near a United States military base in Dubai and has had to take shelter repeatedly as missiles were reportedly fired toward the area. Leu Somyathawi, 69, a resident of Ban Non Yang Kut, has a daughter and grandson working in Dubai and has expressed concern for their safety “I miss them very much. I just want them to be safe,” she said. Ms. Leu lit nine incense sticks and prayed to local guardian spirits, asking for protection for her daughter and grandson.