Border crisis addressed: Thai government implements four strategies, in coordination with Cambodia
The Thai government has announced a comprehensive relief package aimed at supporting businesses, farmers, and citizens affected by the ongoing border tensions with Cambodia. This package includes immediate financial relief, financial institution interventions, and administrative support.
Immediate Financial Relief
Commerce Minister Jatuporn Buruspat, along with Deputy Ministers Suchart Chomklin and Chantawit Tantasith, have been actively working to expedite support for those affected. The government is providing financial compensation and relief payments drawn from the Prime Minister’s Office Fund to assist those who suffered casualties, injuries, or property damage in the conflict-affected border areas.
Emergency Financial Measures
To alleviate economic hardship caused by the unrest, the Ministry of Finance has mandated emergency financial measures such as debt moratoria, reduced interest rates, and the provision of low-interest loans. These measures are designed to provide much-needed financial relief to affected businesses and traders.
Urgent Assistance and Administrative Support
All relevant agencies have been ordered to provide urgent assistance to affected populations, including support for displaced people and local businesses along the border. The government is also working closely with banks to implement debt relief, working capital support, and long-term loan schemes for these businesses.
Coordinated Efforts for Rapid Assessment and Approval of Aid Measures
Coordination among ministries is essential to compile accurate casualty and damage figures to guide rapid assessment and approval of further aid measures. This coordinated approach ensures that resources are allocated effectively and efficiently to where they are most needed.
Additional Measures and Initiatives
The Ministry of Commerce is promoting Thai goods in Cambodia and other ASEAN markets through various strategies, including the "Thai-made, Thai-used, Thai-helping-Thai" initiative. This initiative aims to boost the domestic economy by encouraging consumers to buy locally produced goods.
More shipping lines are now servicing routes to Cambodia, leading to lower shipping costs. Businesses are advised to use alternative routes for logistics, such as waterways or via Laos, due to temporary border closures. More sales points for Thai goods will be opened in August.
Under price and supply control, authorities are surveying prices at shops near the border and in evacuation centres, restocking items in high demand, and strictly inspecting price tags, weighing scales, and farm-gate purchase prices. The "Thai Fruits Festival 2025" campaign continues to promote Thai fruit sales through various channels.
The ministry has facilitated 19 agricultural product distribution events, moving nearly 79 tonnes of produce worth over 2.55 million baht, and launched 33 local sales outlets generating over 5 million baht. The ministry is also planning future trade fairs once the situation stabilises.
In summary, the Thai government’s current strategy combines immediate financial relief, financial institution interventions, and administrative support to help those impacted by the ongoing border conflict with Cambodia. These measures were actively pushed by interim Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira following the escalation of conflict in late July 2025, which severely disrupted local communities and economies. Additionally, martial law in some border districts and ongoing diplomatic efforts indicate a broader governmental strategy to stabilize the region politically and socially, aiming to reduce disruptions for farmers and businesses dependent on border stability.
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