Kanlaya Somjettana, 21 years old, sheltering at a university in Surin province, Thailand, reported that some people displaced by the border conflict began returning home on 28/12, one day after a ceasefire between Bangkok and Phnom Penh was announced. However, many residents on both sides of the border prefer to await official confirmation that the situation is safe.

"I truly hope this ceasefire lasts so we can return home. But I will not go back until officials confirm the area is safe," Kanlaya said.

According to her, the evacuation center is less crowded now, but hundreds of people remain there.

On the Cambodian side, So Choeun, 35 years old, is due to give birth in the coming days and hopes to bring her child home to their house about one km from the border. However, she believes now is not the time.

"There is a ceasefire, but we still do not dare to return home. We are still scared. We must wait to see how the situation unfolds in the coming days, whether stability can be maintained," said So Choeun, who is sheltering with her family in a tent at a pagoda in Banteay Meanchey province.

Residents at an evacuation center in Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia on 25/12. Photo: *Reuters*

Cambodian and Thai officials stated that as of 28/12, the ceasefire agreement remains in effect. However, no safety announcements have been made for most areas on both sides. Many residents on both sides express distrust that their neighboring country will respect the ceasefire, as previous agreements have been broken.

However, farmer Saichon Wongpitak, 38 years old, stated she could not wait any longer and planned to return home to Sisaket province, Thailand, on the afternoon of 28/12.

"I spoke with my neighbor, and he said there have been no gunshots since yesterday," Saichon said, adding that her family would evacuate again if necessary. "We are scared, but we have work at home, livestock, and farms."

Saichon was pleased to hear about the ceasefire but did not expect the agreement to last. "I live in the border region, and what I have learned is not to trust Cambodia," she said.

Kot Ngik, 43 years old, sheltering at a refugee camp in Banteay Meanchey, Cambodia, expressed gratitude for the ceasefire agreement, as children could soon return to school.

"But we still do not trust the Thai army. The situation remains uncertain. Thailand could resume firing at any time," Kot Ngik stated.

An evacuation point at a university in Surin province, Thailand on 22/12. Photo: *Reuters*

The ceasefire agreement was signed after three weeks of renewed cross-border fighting, which resulted in at least 47 deaths and displaced over one million people in both countries. Under the agreement, both nations consented to cease hostilities, maintain their current troop positions, and facilitate the return of civilians living in border areas as soon as possible. Thailand pledged to release 18 Cambodian soldiers arrested in July within 72 hours.

Despite her worries, So Choeun noted that the ceasefire agreement at least offered some hope. "Yesterday morning, I heard loud explosions, but since 12h yesterday, I have not heard them again. This is a good sign," she said.

Huyen Le (According to AFP)