You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
Thai seamstress Pornpan Sooksai did not hesitate to corral her quintet of cats to safety, even as the cross-border blasts from Cambodia rang outPhoto by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA /AFP
Article content
SURIN, Thailand — When the first salvo of Cambodian artillery screamed across her village, Thai seamstress Pornpan Sooksai’s thoughts turned to her five beloved cats: Peng, Kung Fu, Cherry, Taro and Batman.
Advertisement 2
Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
Enjoy additional articles per month.
Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments
“I suddenly heard a loud bang,” the 46-year-old told AFP. “Then our neighbour shouted, ‘They’ve started shooting!’ So everyone scrambled to grab their things.”
Nearly 140,000 people have been evacuated from the Thai frontier, fleeing with the belongings dearest to them as the country trades deadly strikes with neighbouring Cambodia for a second day.
Pornpan was hanging out laundry in her village in the border district of Phanom Dong Rak, but did not hesitate to corral her quintet of cats — even as the cross-border blasts rang out.
“Luckily they were still in the house. I put them in crates, loaded everything into the truck, and we got out,” she said at a shelter in nearby Surin city, camping out alongside her fellow evacuees.
Your Midday Sun
Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Your Midday Sun will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
Article content
Advertisement 3
Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
Tensions have been building between Thailand and Cambodia since late May, when a Cambodian soldier was shot dead in a firefight over a long-contested border region.
Tit-for-tat trade curbs and border closures escalated into conflict on Thursday, and each side has accused the other of firing the opening shot in the battle now being waged with jets, artillery, tanks and troops.
At least 16 people have been killed, according to tolls from both sides, the majority of them civilians.
But Pornpan was well-prepared to save her felines.
“Since I heard about the possible conflict two months ago, I stocked up on food and bought cat carriers,” she said.
“If I leave the cats behind, they’d die.”
Alongside her cats, Ponrpan also evacuated nine other family members, including her elderly mother with Alzheimer’s.
Advertisement 4
Story continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
The process took its toll once the adrenaline wore off midway through their escape.
“I was terrified the whole time. I was scared the bombs would hit us or the house,” she said.
“I had a panic attack in the car. My body went numb. I had to go to hospital during the evacuation.”
At the Surin city shelter her cats have been installed in their portable kennels — drawing curious children waiting out the conflict alongside their parents on the gymnasium floor.
Skittish from the sudden onset of gunfire, they are slowly recovering from their ordeal.
“One kept trying to escape its crate, wouldn’t eat and kept crying,” Pornpan said.
“Another one was panting -– maybe heatstroke. I had to splash water on it.”
Article content
Share this article in your social network
Share this Story : Thai woman herds cats under fire in Cambodia clashes
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.
This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.