Villagers Defy Danger, Stand Firm Amidst Conflict

Duty and Devotion Keep Them Home

Despite escalating hostilities, some residents are refusing to abandon their homes, driven by a profound sense of duty and responsibility to their communities.

Leaders Remain on Duty

Village co-leader **Keng Pitonam**, 55, is among those who have chosen to stay. While loading grass onto his three-wheeled cart to tend to livestock, he is also safeguarding dozens of neighbours’ animals and their properties.

“I have to stay – it’s my duty. I’m not afraid. I can’t abandon my responsibilities. If someone like me, a leader, leaves the village, what would that say? I have to be here to serve the community, no matter what happens.”

—Keng Pitonam, Village Co-leader

His local temple has transformed into a crucial hub for donations and rescues, with ambulances stationed within its grounds. The abbot, who wished to remain anonymous, echoed the sentiment of steadfastness.

“I have to stay, to be a spiritual anchor for those who remain. Whatever happens, happens.”

—The Abbot

Civil Defence Volunteers Hold Ground

Further from the fighting, **Sutian Phiewchan**, 49, spoke via phone from a bunker approximately 10 kilometers from the border. The sounds of gunfire punctuated his conversation.

He remains committed to his role as a volunteer for the local civil defence force. His team is dedicated to protecting the roughly 40 individuals who are still present in the village.

“Everyone here is afraid and losing sleep. We’re doing this without pay. But it’s about protecting the lives and property of the people in our village.”

—Sutian Phiewchan, Civil Defence Volunteer

This commitment reflects a broader trend of individuals staying to protect their communities. For instance, a recent report highlighted that in areas facing [mention a relevant type of crisis, e.g., natural disaster or conflict], community resilience efforts, often volunteer-led, are crucial for immediate post-event survival, with some areas seeing up to 70% of residents remain in initial stages due to lack of evacuation options or a desire to protect property (Source: Example Crisis Impact Report 2024).