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 military has forced villagers in Sa Kaeo to cancel a protest against plans to construct a factory to separate industrial and toxic wastes, saying only protests about dengue fever or illicit drugs would be allowed.</p> <p>On 21 March 2017, soldiers intervened in a meeting of a group of teachers and village headmen of Khlong Thap Chan Subdistrict of Aranyaprathet District in Sa Kaeo Province.</p>