The outbreak of armed clashes near Ta Moan Thom temple has prompted several residents in Oddar Meanchey province to flee their homes in search of safety. Others living in nearby border areas remain on alert and are prepared to evacuate should the situation escalate further, according to Kiripost. 

Following the recent exchange of fire between Cambodian and Thai troops at Ta Moan Thom temple, some families in the border zones, particularly in Oddar Meanchey, have begun relocating to safer areas. Meanwhile, many locals have expressed growing anxiety over the violence and say they are ready to leave at a moment’s notice if necessary.

Yem Phalla, a 50-year-old entrepreneur based in Banteay Meanchey province, told Kiripost, “My brother lives near O’ Smach, close to Ta Moan temple, where he sells goods to soldiers and Chinese workers. Since the fighting broke out, he’s been making preparations to leave for somewhere safer.”

Phalla noted that others in the community have already relocated, with some heading to Siem Reap province for refuge.

Efforts by Kiripost to obtain a comment from Oddar Meanchey Governor Mean Chanyada were unsuccessful, as he stated he was currently unavailable to speak with the media.

In Banteay Meanchey province, particularly in areas surrounding the Poipet International Border Gate, residents also expressed apprehension. “I’ve already asked my wife to pack a few essentials,” Phalla added. “If the situation turns critical, we’ll have to leave,  though I’m not yet sure where we’ll go.”

Ben Choeum, a soldier stationed near the Malai border crossing in the same province, reported that while his immediate area remains calm, other zones are more volatile. He has been instructed to remain on standby to secure the crossing point.

“Although the Malai area is currently quiet, the situation near Ta Moan is far more dangerous,” he said. “If all troops are deployed to the front lines, who will guard the crossing?”

Former Prime Minister Hun Sen confirmed that Thai artillery units have been shelling locations within Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces. He appealed to the public to stay calm and maintain normalcy across the country, except in the border regions currently under attack.

Yem Dany, a resident of Preah Vihear province, told Kiripost she had heard the sound of fighting earlier but said her village has since returned to a state of calm.

“Everything seems back to normal now,” she said. “People are continuing with their daily routines, some have even resumed farming.”

Kim Sokhum, a migrant worker who recently returned from Thailand due to the growing tension, expressed concern for her husband, who remains in Thailand for work. She also recounted receiving a troubling call from her sister, who lives in Kok Thom, Oddar Meanchey province.

“My sister phoned me in a panic, saying she was fleeing gunfire,” Sokhum shared. “I was terrified. While we were talking, I could actually hear the gunshots in the background. She said authorities were evacuating people from the area for their safety.”

Sokhum added that she felt helpless hearing the fear in her sister’s voice. “It broke my heart. She said she had narrowly escaped, and I could still hear the shooting as we spoke. Thankfully, local officials are helping relocate residents to safer locations.”