Summary of the Thai Government’s Response to the Thai-Cambodian Border Clash (July-September)
This document details the Thai government’s response to a series of clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border between July 24th and September 2nd. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
1. Accusations & Facts Warfare:
Thailand accuses Cambodia of distorting information: Specifically, Cambodia’s Kamar times newspaper allegedly claimed Cambodians were prevented from returning home due to Thai actions.Thailand refutes this, stating Cambodia has consistently violated agreements through activities like illegal border crossings, killings, drone usage, incitement, and the recent use of bombs. Evidence supporting Thai claims: Janees magazine (a security publication) reports satellite imagery shows Cambodian military operations were established before the clashes, supporting Thailand’s assertion that Cambodia initiated the attacks.
Concern over Cambodian Propaganda: Thailand is worried about systematic Cambodian disinformation and has raised the issue with the UN OHCHR, which recognizes it as a global problem hindering peaceful resolution. Thailand calls for Cambodia to stop this practice.
2. Impact of the Clashes:
casualties: 22 deaths and 40 injuries across 62 incidents.
Damage: 885 households damaged (683 repaired - 77% completion),over 556 rai of agricultural land affected,782 schools impacted,29 religious sites damaged,and 1 hospital affected.
3. Government Aid & relief Efforts:
Financial Assistance: A total of 34,346,022.57 baht has been disbursed:
32,108,658.57 baht to families of the deceased.
2,237,364 baht to the injured.
Provincial Governor Funds: 201,371,391 baht allocated to 6 provinces (Buriram, Sisaket, Surin, ubon Ratchathani, Sa Kaeo, Trat).
Additional Funds: 2,090,024 baht in other aid.
Tax Exemption: the Cabinet approved a tax exemption on relief funds totaling 165.6 million baht:
136 million baht for deaths and disabilities (17 cases).
29.6 million baht for serious injuries (37 cases).
Ministry of Finance Oversight: The Ministry of Finance is responsible for ensuring people receive the full amount of aid quickly.
4. Government Commitment & Coordination:
Urgent Situation Management: The government views this as an urgent situation and is prioritizing the well-being of affected people.
Inter-Ministry Coordination: Issues related to the situation will be discussed at meetings of Members of Parliament (MPs) to ensure a coordinated response.
priorities: Protecting national sovereignty and ensuring the safety of citizens are the government’s top priorities.
Assurance of Support: The government pledges to support all families in the affected areas and ensure no one is left behind.
In essence, the document presents Thailand’s viewpoint on the border clashes, emphasizing Cambodian aggression and disinformation, while highlighting the Thai government’s efforts to provide aid and restore normalcy to the affected regions.
