Thai government prepares aid for displaced individuals to resume residence
The tense border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, which displaced approximately 134,000 civilians, has seen some signs of relief following the signing of a 13-point ceasefire agreement on July 28, 2025. However, the ceasefire remains fragile, with both countries continuing to accuse each other of violations, as reported by various sources.
In an effort to reinforce the ceasefire, regional actors, including ASEAN, have been actively involved. Mediation, observer missions, and regular meetings have been conducted to help manage and reinforce compliance. On August 7, an Extraordinary General Border Committee was held, committing to the full implementation of the ceasefire and the establishment of an ASEAN-led observer mechanism to monitor the agreement.
Despite the ongoing tensions, some progress has been made. In the Thai border districts, martial law remains in effect to maintain order and safety, with curfews and restrictions in place. However, authorities have started allowing some evacuated civilians to return home, with caution advised due to the presence of landmines and unexploded ordnances.
The return process is being managed carefully, with the first phase prioritizing bedridden patients and those in need of special care. Mr Phumtham, the acting prime minister, has instructed the 2nd Army Region to coordinate with the four provincial governors to determine when residents can safely return home.
In neighbouring provinces, such as Buri Ram, the governor has not yet authorized a full return, especially for vulnerable groups, pending confirmation from the 2nd Army Region. Mr Phumtham is scheduled to visit Si Sa Ket on Saturday to inspect damage and meet evacuees, while the cabinet committee has planned visits to 12 shelters in Surin, Si Sa Ket, Buri Ram, and Ubon Ratchathani to assess damage for a second round of aid covering homes, farms, and livestock.
The Thai authorities are preparing to help thousands of evacuees return home in the coming days, with at least 3,000 sets of N95 masks and basic medicines being distributed to frontline staff and residents. Local authorities have been authorized to decide on returns without needing central government approval, and water sources are being inspected to prevent disease outbreaks.
However, residents have been warned not to return prematurely due to the danger of unexploded ordnance. The Ministry of Public Health is providing mental health support for Border Patrol Police officers, and Deputy Defence Minister Natthaphon Nakphanich has asked the acting prime minister to assign police and village security teams to protect evacuees' property.
As the situation continues to evolve, both governments and ASEAN remain committed to maintaining peace and allowing safe repatriation or return of displaced persons through dialogue and restraint. The fragile ceasefire, while under observation, offers a glimmer of hope for a return to normalcy in the affected regions.
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia, despite the signed ceasefire agreement, has been a prevailing topic in general news, with politics heavily involved, as both countries continue to accuse each other of ceasefire violations.
- Crime-and-justice issues have arisen in the affected border regions, as the Thai authorities provide mental health support for Border Patrol Police officers and Deputy Defence Minister Natthaphon Nakphanich asks the acting prime minister to assign police and village security teams to protect evacuees' property.
