Buri Ram clashes force evacuations

Residents of four districts told to leave

- SURACHAI PIRAGSA JAKKRIT WAEWKLAYHONG

Border communities in Buri Ram are enduring a fifth straight day of clashes, with artillery echoing across four districts now under evacuation orders.

Officials yesterday ordered a full evacuation of Ban Kruat and Lahan Sai, while residents in parts of Chalerm Phrakiat and Prakhon Chai were told to move to safety, even though fighting remains more than 40 kilometres away.

In emptied villages, only community leaders, defence volunteers and security units remain to guard property and care for animals.

"We must look after homes, belongings and livestock until the situation eases," said Bunsoem Mengprakorn, a Ban Kruat volunteer. "But we don’t know when the fighting will stop. Feed is running short, so we've had to ration what we have."