Photo of Suriya Jungrungreangkit courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand is urgently organising evacuations for its citizens in Cambodia as rising border tensions threaten to escalate into conflict. This rapid response was initiated on Wednesday when Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit directed the Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) to collaborate with seven Thai airlines to increase flight capacity for those wishing to return home.

 

"Our top priority is the safety and convenience of our people," stated Suriya. He emphasised that all pertinent departments have been alerted to closely monitor developments and act swiftly.

 

Currently, four airlines operate regular flights between Bangkok and Cambodia. Thai Airways schedules 16 weekly flights with 180 seats each. Thai AirAsia offers 28 weekly flights, while Bangkok Airways operates 40 weekly flights with a mix of 180 and 70-seat aircraft. Thai VietJet provides 16 flights per week, each with 180 seats.

 

Other carriers, including Thai Lion Air, Thai AirAsia X, and Nok Air, have committed to supporting this emergency plan. The government launched this initiative today, focusing on swiftly expanding flight availability to accommodate increasing demand.

 

Thai citizens in Cambodia are urged to contact the Thai Embassy in Phnom Penh at (+855) 77 888 114 for repatriation support. Suriya underscored the comprehensive efforts being made to ensure citizens can return safely and smoothly.

 

"All relevant agencies must prepare for a potential surge in repatriation requests," he added.

 

While precise details of the unrest remain undisclosed, authorities are treating the situation with grave urgency. Analysts have observed increasing tension and troop movements along the border, although official statements are limited.

 

The Ministry of Transport will hold daily briefings with airlines and embassy officials to coordinate the ongoing response, ensuring flights proceed efficiently and with minimal disruption.

 

In this fluid situation, Thai officials are steadfast in their commitment to leaving no one behind. Citizens are urged to stay informed through official channels and quickly seize any opportunity to return, as options may become limited.

 

In financial terms, these efforts also pose significant costs, with increased flight operations potentially impacting tickets. Considering the urgency, many expect prices to be calculated in Thai Baht, and it will be crucial to monitor financial aspects moving forward.

 

Despite the uncertainty, Thailand’s decisive actions reflect its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens in challenging times.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-25

 

 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Despite the uncertainty, Thailand’s decisive actions reflect its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens in challenging times.

Thai army killed a Cambodian soldier first... that was the spark that started all this.

18 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Thai army killed a Cambodian soldier first... that was the spark that started all this.

 

No, Cambodia pushed into the disputed area building trenches and fortifying the position, when approached by Thai soldiers, who were fired upon, they returned fire killing a Cambodian soldier. 

 

This whole thing is Hun Sen's doing, he is losing money and support, this is nothing more than a desperate old man looking for control.

Handbags at Dawn. 🤣😂