Report Thailand Approves 100M Baht Relief for Border Clash Victims

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Photo via Facebook/ The Echo

 

In a decisive move, Thailand's Ministry of Finance has announced a substantial relief package for provinces affected by ongoing border clashes. With tensions remaining high along the Thai-Cambodian border, this financial aid is desperately needed by residents who have seen their lives turned upside down.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Phichai Chunhavajira, revealed that roughly 160,000 residents have been displaced due to the unrest. With their homes and businesses caught in the crossfire, many find themselves in emergency shelters, unable to work or return to their properties. The clashes have not only disrupted daily life but have also severed vital income sources for these communities.

 

In response to this crisis, the government has rolled out a comprehensive suite of relief measures. These include both immediate local-level support and long-term financial aid through state-owned institutions. Each affected province will receive an emergency budget increase of 100 million baht, with provisions to extend this if required.

 

To further ease the financial pressure, the Thai government has implemented several tax relief measures. All tax filing and payment deadlines—encompassing personal and corporate income taxes, VAT, and others—have been extended from the end of August to the end of September. Residents can also claim deductions for property damages: up to 100,000 baht for housing repairs and 30,000 baht for vehicle repairs due to the unrest.

 

State-owned banks will provide various financial supports, ranging from loan repayment holidays to favourable loan terms. Highlights include unsecured personal loans, capped at 20,000 baht per individual, repayable over a year at an interest rate of just 0.60%. Emergency loans of up to 50,000 baht per person are also available, interest-free for the first half-year.

 

Moreover, those whose homes have been utterly destroyed, or have suffered disability or loss of life, can benefit from highly concessional loan terms—paying only a symbolic interest rate of 0.01% throughout the loan duration. Rebuilding efforts receive special consideration, with zero-interest loans for initial six months provided to rebuild completely damaged homes.

 

These measures aim to alleviate the considerable financial burden faced by affected residents. By offering comprehensive support, the government hopes not only to relieve immediate distress but also to aid in the long-term recovery and stability of communities along the border.

 

Phichai Chunhavajira stressed the importance of this initiative, noting, "Our goal is to support our citizens in these challenging times and rebuild the stability and prosperity of our border regions."

 

As the situation remains fluid, the Thai government is closely monitoring developments to ensure further aid can be mobilised swiftly if necessary. This proactive approach underscores Thailand’s commitment to its people, prioritising both safety and economic resilience amidst ongoing tensions.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-30