Border Scars: Father's Grief for Soldier Son Amidst Sisaket Recovery

Arnun Chonmahatrakool

Scars of War and a Father's Memory: "If He Were Alive... He'd Be in This Fight" Short Headline: Border Scars: Father's Grief for Soldier Son Amidst Sisaket Recovery Sisaket Province, Thailand – As the unrest in the border areas begins to subside, residents who had evacuated are gradually returning home. Military and administrative officials are continuously assisting them, facilitating their return and assessing damage alongside the villagers. One elderly resident from Sisaket Province recounted his experience. On the day the incident occurred, he was at work outside his home. Upon hearing the news, he immediately contacted his family, and together they promptly went to an evacuation center. "As soon as I heard the news, I rushed home, called my family, and we all went to the evacuation center," the elderly man shared. After the situation partially calmed down and a ceasefire was announced, the man returned to check his home on July 29. He found some damage but was able to move essential items and clean the area, with officials constantly providing assistance. "During the day, we can start going in and out, so we gradually come back to check and collect our belongings. Officials also help oversee the situation. But at night, we move back to the evacuation center." Beyond restoring their homes, residents are also cooperating with authorities to collect damage data and jointly prepare for the next phase of recovery, including public utilities and agricultural areas. While life