Since a previous round of deadly border clashes this summer, women, children and seniors have typically evacuated rural farming communities first, while men stay behind to guard property.
This past week of fighting has kept Narongchai and Uthai apart – each new barrage extending their separation.
“In July, I had to stay at the shelter for about 15 days … now the firing is happening every day and people are wondering ‘will we have to stay like this for months or up to a year?’ It’s really disheartening,” Uthai told AFP.
Another evacuee, Nattamon Pawaputo, also awaits word from her husband and cousin, both volunteer guards in another border village.
“I’m worried about them. I can hardly sleep,” said the 52-year-old, recalling them telling her about the never-ending shelling.
“I’m proud of them,” she added.
Like they did in July, Narongchai and his team remain at their posts for now, standing guard under bursts of heavy fire.
He knows that even a ceasefire will offer him little relief. “Even if it ends, we’ll still be on edge,” Narongchai said.
“After the last round of fighting, whenever I hear thunder, I still think it’s shelling.”
Source: CNA
