BANGKOK, Aug 20 — Thailand has allocated over 201 million baht (RM26 million) in emergency aid for victims of the Thai-Cambodian border conflict, which has affected over 260,000 households across seven provinces since fighting erupted on July 24.
Deputy Government Spokesman Sasikan Watthanachan said the funds were allocated for food, temporary shelters, housing repairs, medical treatment, and funeral expenses.
“In addition, over two million relief items — including food packs, drinking water, survival kits, and clothing — have been distributed, alongside the deployment of rescue vehicles, mobile water units, and field kitchens,” she said during a press conference at the Government House today.
Sasikan added that the clashes have affected seven provinces, 45 districts, more than 4,000 villages, and about 262,000 households since July 24.
The Interior Ministry has disbursed more than 145 million baht (RM18.8 milion) in emergency funds to assist victims, while the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, in coordination with security agencies, has been inspecting routes and providing essential equipment.
“Schools in affected areas have adjusted their learning arrangements and set up temporary centres, while the Social Development Ministry has extended support to those requiring special care,” she said.
Tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border escalated into armed clashes in late July, prompting Malaysia, as the current Asean chair, to step in as a neutral and constructive mediator to help end the confrontation.
Both countries agreed to a ceasefire brokered by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on July 28, thereby ending the five-day confrontation that destroyed the peace in the northern part of Cambodia.
Following the ceasefire agreement, a landmark Extraordinary Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur on August 7 to resolve the border dispute. The meeting ended on a positive note.
