BANGKOK: Thailand has estimated over $300 million in damage from its five-day border conflict with Cambodia, as officials brace for a broader economic fallout despite a newly brokered ceasefire, reported by Reuters.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said Tuesday the government is preparing a 25 billion baht ($771 million) relief package to support recovery and reconstruction in affected areas. “The initial 10 billion baht estimate doesn’t account for trade disruptions, which could grow the impact significantly,” he warned.
The finance ministry has rolled out a slate of emergency relief measures. State-owned banks will offer deferred loan payments, low-interest loans, and fee waivers. Tax relief includes extended deadlines and deductions—up to 100,000 baht for home repairs and 30,000 baht for vehicle damage.
Each affected province will receive an emergency allocation of 100 million baht, with additional funds available if needed.
The fighting—rooted in decades-long territorial disputes—erupted earlier this month after a Cambodian soldier was killed in a skirmish. The violence escalated rapidly, spreading across multiple points of the 800-kilometer border. Heavy artillery, rocket fire, and ground assaults killed at least 33 people and displaced more than 150,000 civilians.
Cambodia reported 13 dead—eight civilians and five soldiers—with 71 others wounded. Thai authorities confirmed 20 deaths on their side, including 13 civilians and seven soldiers.
A ceasefire was reached on July 28 following mediation led by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with diplomatic backing from the United States and China.
