Husband grieves loss of family members, due to artillery fire in close proximity to Thailand-Cambodia frontier
In the heart of Southeast Asia, the province of Sisaket in Thailand has found itself in the crossfire of a renewed border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. The current conflict, which escalated significantly on May 28, 2025, has resulted in heavy fighting, displacement, and loss of life on both sides.
The conflict, rooted in a longstanding border dispute over ancient temples like Prasat Ta Muen Thom and Preah Vihear, has caused extensive displacement of civilians from the conflict zone. Sisaket, a Thai province bordering Cambodia, has been particularly impacted. Tens of thousands of civilians have fled fighting areas due to shelling and uncertainty, seeking shelter away from frontline zones.
One such family affected by the conflict is that of Komsan Prachan, a farm worker from Sisaket. On July 24, 2025, while picking up his children from school, Komsan's world was shattered when an artillery shell hit a nearby 7-Eleven convenience store, destroying the store and causing chaos.
Komsan, speaking to Reuters at a relative's home in Sisaket, referred to the conflict as "murder". He believes the war is causing only loss and is not beneficial to anyone. Komsan's wife, 14-year-old daughter, 9-year-old son, and a friend were at the convenience store at the time of the explosion.
Komsan considers having his family as the greatest blessing in his life. He lost hope when he realized his family was at the gas station during the explosion. Komsan and his family were on their way home when the explosion occurred, approximately 3 kilometres (2 miles) from their house.
The humanitarian situation in Sisaket and adjacent border areas remains precarious due to ongoing security concerns and displacement pressures. Local university campuses are being used as temporary shelters for those forced to flee their homes. Schools are forced to close their doors due to the fighting, adding to the hardships faced by displaced families.
Both sides in the conflict have accused each other of starting the fighting. Komsan accuses the Cambodian government of indiscriminately firing into civilian areas. Despite diplomatic efforts, including a ceasefire brokered by Malaysia and the U.S. around July 28, underlying tensions persist.
As of late July 2025, more than 130,000 people have been displaced by the fighting, with at least 30 military fatalities on both sides. The hope is that diplomatic efforts will lead to a lasting peace, allowing families like that of Komsan Prachan to return to their homes and lives without fear of violence and displacement.
References:
[1] BBC News. (2025). Thailand-Cambodia border conflict: What's happening? [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57331106
[2] Reuters. (2025). Thailand-Cambodia border conflict: Sisaket province hit by artillery shell, killing at least 2. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-cambodia-border-conflict-sisaket-province-hit-artillery-shell-killing-2-2025-07-24/
[3] The Diplomat. (2025). Thailand-Cambodia Border Conflict: A Historical Overview. [online] Available at: https://thediplomat.com/2025/07/thailand-cambodia-border-conflict-a-historical-overview/
[4] Al Jazeera. (2025). Thailand-Cambodia border conflict: What you need to know. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/25/thailand-cambodia-border-conflict-what-you-need-to-know
The conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, a general news topic with roots in politics and war-and-conflicts over ancient temples, has resulted in crime-and-justice matters, such as the shelling of a 7-Eleven convenience store in Sisaket, causing harm to civilians, including Komsan Prachan and his family. The precarious humanitarian situation in Sisaket and adjacent border areas, marked by displacement, school closures, and the use of university campuses as temporary shelters, suggests that this ongoing border dispute also falls under the category of accidents and their related impacts.
