The standoff emerging after the 28 May clash between Thailand and Cambodia, followed by punitive measures to close key border crossings, has brought almost all activities to a halt in several provinces. It is the grassroots communities who have been left behind, bearing the heaviest burden of a conflict far beyond their control.

<p>The Thai military claimed the authority under Section 44 of the Interim Constitution to arrest villagers in eastern Thailand who refused to leave an area which the Thai Navy wants to use as a practice ground. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>