In recent times, the bustling Chong Chom border market, located in the Dan subdistrict of Kap Choeng district in Surin province, has experienced a noticeable decrease in activity. This transformation is not due to a lack of goods or interest but a conscious decision made by Cambodian vendors to temporarily shutter their shops and make their way back across the border. This initiative was suggested by local authorities as a preventive measure until the border tensions ease. The calls from officials for cooperation prompted many vendors to commence a wave of sales, offering irresistible discounts ranging from 40 to 50% on various items, including shoes, mattresses, and even underwear. This effort is aimed at accumulating the necessary funds for their journey home, signaling a sense of urgency to mitigate the financial strain this situation imposes. The presence of military security officers, local administrators, and immigration officials at the Chong Chom…