Ubon Ratchathani: Villagers in Paet Um are expressing their support and encouragement for soldiers tasked with safeguarding Thailand's sovereignty amid rising tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border. The local residents believe that the area in question rightly belongs to Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, Mrs. Dam, a 66-year-old resident of Paet Um in Tambon Dom Pradit, Amphoe Nam Yuen, has voiced her concerns about the border situation. Despite her worries, she finds solace in the presence of soldiers who are committed to protecting the nation's territorial integrity. Mrs. Dam recounted her past experiences, noting that she had observed Cambodian movements near the boundary, which she asserts is clearly defined along the Thai-Cambodian watershed. She emphasized that the contested area, where recent clashes have occurred, is historically recognized by locals as Thai territory.
Mrs. Dam elaborated on the history of Ban Paet Um, explaining that the village was originally situated on a mountain near the current conflict zone. However, in 1977, the geopolitical landscape shifted when Vietnamese Communists and the Khmer Rouge allied against the Cambodian government. The Khmer Rouge forcibly recruited villagers from Ban Paet Um as soldiers. In 1979, the Thai government resettled these villagers to the area now known as Ban Paet Um, relocating them from their original mountain homes.
Mr. Thon, another villager who is 86 years old, shared his perspective on the ongoing situation. He stays informed through military reports and rumors from the 2nd Army commander. Mr. Thon expressed his desire to support the soldiers and hopes for divine protection over them as they carry out their duties along the border.