Thousands return to Thai border homes as ceasefire holds

SA KAEO, Dec 30 (TNA) - Thousands of displaced residents began returning to their homes in eastern Thailand on Tuesday, following a 72-hour ceasefire that has brought a tenuous calm to the border region after recent clashes with Cambodian forces.

Authorities in Sa Kaeo province reported a steady exodus from temporary shelters as the security situation stabilized. Of the approximately 17,000 people from 5,000 households who sought refuge across 40 evacuation centers, officials estimate only 20% remain.

Most of those still in shelters are residents from "inner" combat zones. While those from outer districts like Aranyaprathet have largely departed, others are awaiting final clearance from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, expected by Wednesday afternoon, before they are permitted to return to high-risk areas.

The Burapha Task Force, responsible for regional security, announced the lifting of a curfew across four key border districts.

Despite the de-escalation, tensions remain visible at the frontline. At Ban Nong Chan, Thai soldiers hoisted the national flag atop shipping containers serving as a temporary border fence. The move was a symbolic reassertion of Thai sovereignty following unconfirmed reports of Cambodian movements near the disputed boundary. - 819 (TNA)