Border Tensions Flare: Si Sa Ket Residents Fear Third Round of Clashes, Plead for Government Action

May 15, 2026 – Tensions have escalated once again along the Thai-Cambodian border in Kantharalak District, Si Sa Ket Province, following a Cambodian military M79 mortar attack near Huay Tammaria military base on the evening of May 14. Although there were no reports of injuries or deaths, the incident has sparked renewed fear among local residents who have already suffered significant damage to their homes and livelihoods from previous clashes.

When reporters visited Sao Thangchai village in Kantharalak District, villagers were gathered in anxious groups, closely monitoring the border situation. Many households expressed concern that a third clash may be imminent, given no clear signs the situation is resolving. The previous clashes have left residents in a constant state of alert.

Sixty-two-year-old Nai Jantan revealed that since the Cambodian military's M79 strike, the atmosphere has returned to high alert. Residents are worried and lack confidence in the situation, fearing another confrontation. She noted that Cambodian forces have been observed moving and circulating along the Thai border regularly in the past.

Villagers are urging the government to decisively resolve the border crisis once and for all, preventing future incidents. Jantan suggested that constructing a border fence or wall would significantly enhance public safety, as several villages including Sambaet, Phu Phi, and Phu Makheua are located extremely close to the Cambodian border. Every time tensions escalate, border residents feel unsafe.

The Bangkok Election Commission director confirmed on May 15 that the election must be held within 60 days and the commission will proceed with its original plan to hold the governor election on June 28. Following news of Governor Chadchart Sittipunt's resignation submission to the Interior Ministry with effect from May 18, the commission stated that the Interior Ministry will notify Bangkok, which will then inform the election commission. The election commission is required to complete the process within 60 days and can coordinate the governor election with the Bangkok Metropolitan Council elections. The notification is expected to reach the election commission on May 18, with the Bangkok deputy governor serving as acting governor until a new governor is appointed. Reports indicate Chadchart submitted his early resignation on May 21, and the commission has approved a plan to hold the election on June 28, 2025, for the Bangkok governor position along with the Pattaya mayor and Pattaya city council members.

On May 15, 2569, the National Water Resources Office (NWRO) reported data as of May 14 showing total water volume across Thailand at 46,169 million cubic meters, with only 22,061 million cubic meters available for use—representing 39% capacity.

The central region has usable water reserves at just 32%, while the eastern region stands at 36%, both classified as critical levels. The western region maintains 66% and the southern region 61%, faring better by comparison. In the past 24 hours, Phang Nga Province recorded the heaviest rainfall at 154mm, followed by Chiang Rai at 96mm and Nakhon Phanom at 42mm.

Areas at risk of cumulative heavy rainfall over a three-day forecast period (May 14-16) exceeding 200mm include Amnat Charoen Province (Pathum Ratchawongsa and Mueang districts), Ubon Ratchathani Province (Kutkhaopun and Trakaerpheuchol districts), and Chiang Mai Province (Kalyaniwitthaya district).

Authorities urge residents in these areas to closely monitor weather forecasts and prepare for flash floods and flash flooding.

Hazard Warning Alert

The National Water Resources Office is issuing warnings for heavy rainfall areas from May 15-18 due to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal combined with strengthening southwest monsoon winds, bringing increased rainfall across many Thai regions.

Particularly affected are the northern, northeastern, central, western, eastern, and southern regions. Residents should be alert to flooding, flash floods, mudslides, and impacts on agricultural areas, as well as disruptions to urban transportation.

Additionally, from May 17-21, warnings are in place for high tides in the Chao Phraya, Mae Klong, and Tachin river areas, which may cause water to overflow into low-lying areas along riverbanks, communities outside flood barriers, and certain transportation routes. Monitor for saltwater intrusion that could affect water quality for consumption and agricultural use in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, as well as nearby coastal areas.

On May 15, 2026, at the Tree City Five hotel in Pattaya, Sawaeng Boonmee, secretary general of the Election Commission (EC), announced that the commission has begun deliberating on major cases related to Senate dissolution. The EC is currently handling nearly 5,000 complaints, having already completed processing over 2,500 cases with 2,500 remaining to be resolved within one year.

Sawaeng confirmed that EC cases have never missed their statute of limitations except in special circumstances requiring time extensions, such as the Senate dissolution cases, which the commission is working to resolve as quickly, accurately, and fairly as possible. He explained that the EC has designated one full day per week for Senate dissolution case hearings—specifically every Monday—with Tuesday meetings reserved for administrative and general matters, and additional Wednesday sessions as needed.

The full-day meeting requirement for Senate cases is necessary due to the substantial volume of documents and evidence requiring careful review, though no specific completion date has been confirmed. Sawaeng acknowledged that while some may perceive the EC's progress as unclear, particularly in corruption cases that have already reached court, public perception often moves faster than actual legal procedures. He cited the scammer case as an example, noting that despite public pressure for immediate action, the EC must follow legal processes and await court decisions, which require time.

Thai national team head coach Anthony Hudson revealed he selected only three defenders for the squad to test the Elephants' attacking play in the Kuwait-China warm-up matches. Thailand announced a final 23-player roster for FIFA warm-up matches in June against Kuwait and China, featuring new faces Theerapat Prue Thong from Consadole Sapporo and Erawan Garnier from France making their senior debut. Hudson stated: "This selection had several important factors. First, we're resting some players after a long league season just ended. Some are exhausted physically and mentally, while others have nagging injuries. We're using this opportunity for them to fully recover and give chances to other players to prove themselves and become future options, especially for the Asian Cup, so we have more depth. That's the selection criteria this time." "For the defender position, we selected only three players with the goal of adding more options to our attacking play. Left-back had very limited options, and some players needed rest from accumulated injuries throughout the season. We saw this as an opportunity for change. Importantly, I'm confident all three will meet the team's needs. The key is keeping some players fresh for future camps." "For center-back, Pelatpetch Arttangtham has been playing very well with Port FC, while Adisorn Promruk hasn't played much, but when given chances at Ratchaburi, I was impressed by his mentality and attitude when he played. I haven't had the chance to work with him before, so this is a good opportunity." "For midfield, I want to mention Weeratep Pom Phanthong and Thitiphand Puang Janthorn who got the call this time. I regret not calling them earlier for various reasons, but this is a good opportunity and both deserve it because I know they have quality and ability. This is a great chance to work together." "The attacking midfielders are mostly young players, and I'm excited about all of them. These young men have energy and hunger to play, plus a prepared game plan when not in possession. I think everyone will meet expectations and each has good form. Everyone has enough potential to play attacking football, attack, or disrupt the opponent's defense." "For Theerapat Prue Thong and Erawan Garnier, it's my job to help them understand how we play and what we'll do. I'll try my best in every way. We expect them to perform in our style, both in possession and out of possession, including off the field matters. This is my main responsibility to make them understand the game as much as possible." "For the forwards, Teerasil Dangda is clearly important. I always say a camp must have senior-level players who set standards and are good examples for younger and new players. In the previous two camps we tried to call Teerasil, but due to various reasons and nagging injuries, this time he's important as an example for everyone regarding composure and atmosphere of serving the nation, including what he does with his club. Teerasil's quality will elevate and set standards, creating an example for younger players.

On May 15, 2025, at parliament, Boonruay Yamchinda, a list MP from the United Thai Community Party and vice chair of the Consumer Protection Committee, announced the panel's first meeting agenda following a press conference. The committee aims to address consumer complaints and grievances, with Yamchinda personally pushing for increased government lottery prizes to be presented at the May 21 meeting.

"The proposal is to increase two-digit prizes from 2,000 baht to 5,000 baht, three-digit prizes from 4,000 baht to 10,000 baht, and the first prize from 6 million baht to 10 million baht," Yamchinda stated. "This falls within the committee's scope since it addresses public complaints from consumers who want higher prizes. The lottery has not increased prizes in 10 years, yet the Lottery Office generates massive profits annually. We should review prize money to ensure fairness to consumers."

Yamchinda added that if the committee approves, they will push forward aggressively by summoning the Lottery Office director to provide revenue and profit data for each year. The goal is to share profits with the public through increased social welfare programs, such as expanded education funds for poor students and increased school meal allowances currently set at just 20 baht per child.

"The Lottery Office should not take advantage of people whose prizes have not increased in years," Yamchinda said. "This appeals to the public because many Thais enjoy gambling. Increasing prizes is not spoiling people—it's a commercial matter that could also help reduce illegal underground lottery operations."