Border Farmers in Surin Race to Harvest Amid Evacuation Fears

SURIN, Nov 13 (TNA) - Farmers in Thailand's Phanom Dong Rak district, situated along the tense border with Cambodia, are urgently accelerating their rice harvest to prepare for potential mass evacuation. 

Already dealing with crop damage caused by unseasonal rains, locals are working under extreme pressure as the border situation may escalate, risking a renewed military clash. 

One farmer, who has survived three past conflicts, appealed for understanding.

He expressed belief that the military is aware of the harvesting period but hoped the operation, if it occurs, would decisively resolve the ongoing border tensions.

Meanwhile, local commerce has been severely hit; some businesses report sales plunging by up to 70% as residents restrict spending and hoard cash in anticipation of a sudden need to flee. 

The threat has triggered immediate preparedness measures. The Bak Dai Subdistrict Administrative Organization is holding emergency meetings, reviewing plans, and has designated two evacuation points to shelter over 10,000 residents from 20 villages. -819 (TNA)