More than 100,000 Thai civilians have been evacuated to 295 shelters due to escalating unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border. The Ministry of Interior has ordered full-scale assistance for those affected, emphasizing that “the safety of the people is our top priority.”

Mr. Unsit Sampuntharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, reported on the emergency response to the ongoing cross-border conflict. The unrest began after Cambodian forces opened fire into Thai territory—an act that violated Thailand’s sovereignty and endangered lives and property in the provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, and Buri Ram. The attacks, which deliberately targeted civilian areas including a hospital, have resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of children.

In response, volunteer Defense Corps, village chiefs, subdistrict heads, community security teams, and local administrative organizations swiftly mobilized to evacuate residents to designated safe zones. Evacuation centers have been established to provide shelter and essential services, with a strong focus on public health and hygiene. These include the provision of food, drinking water, medicine, toilets, and temporary housing.

“The safety of the people is our top priority,” Mr. Unsit affirmed.

Evacuation Statistics (as of 24 July 2025, 22:30 hrs)

• Total evacuees: 100,672 people

• Total shelters: 295 locations

Breakdown by Province:

• Surin: 56,000 evacuees, 67 shelters

• Si Sa Ket: 17,196 evacuees, 58 shelters

• Buri Ram: 17,000 evacuees, 1 shelter

• Ubon Ratchathani: 10,476 evacuees, 169 shelters

Local authorities have also been instructed to provide psychological support to both evacuees and frontline personnel. Evacuees are regularly updated on the situation, while police forces have been deployed to guard evacuated communities and prevent unauthorized return. Residents will only be allowed to return once authorities declare the areas