Thai - Cambodia Conflict Border Conflict Spurs Mental Health Crisis in Shelters

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of MGR Oline

 

A significant mental health crisis is unfolding as the Ministry of Public Health reports rising psychological distress among civilians displaced by the ongoing border conflict. Nearly 200,000 people are now residing in makeshift shelters across seven affected provinces.

 

Speaking on behalf of the ministry, Trichada Srithada underscored the gravity of the situation, revealing that mental health evaluations have been conducted on 21,430 people in the provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, Buriram, Trat, Sa Kaeo, and Chanthaburi. These assessments, carried out by mental health crisis assessment and treatment teams (MCATT) and other professionals, identified 600 individuals with high stress levels and 142 at risk of suicide. Fortunately, all affected individuals have received care and counselling.

 

In response to the emergency, 767 shelters have been established, now accommodating 193,292 displaced civilians. Trichada further reported that 744 patients have been evacuated from conflict zones to 35 hospitals for essential medical treatment.

 

The conflict has severely impacted healthcare services, with 20 hospitals directly affected. Of these, 11 have ceased operations, including facilities such as Nam Khun, Nam Yuen, and Phanom Dong Rak. Despite the closures, emergency services are ongoing in the remaining hospitals.

 

Tragically, Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin was damaged by rocket attacks, with repairs estimated to cost over 1 million baht (approximately £23,000). Meanwhile, 144 tambon-level hospitals have also been affected; 140 are closed, and the remainder are functioning with reduced capabilities.

 

The human toll of the conflict is rising, with 53 civilian casualties reported to date. This includes 15 fatalities, and among the 38 injured, 11 remain hospitalised, with eight in critical condition.

 

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has expressed profound concern for the affected civilians and commended the resilience and commitment of frontline medical personnel. The minister's criticism of Cambodia's alleged attack on a hospital emphasised the gravity of the violation, calling it a severe breach of human rights and the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, which protects civilian hospitals during conflict.

 

Warot Chotiphitthayasunon, a ministry spokesperson, highlighted that 1,168 medical teams have been dispatched to manage the crisis. These include specialised mini-medical emergency response teams (Mini Merts) and MCATTs, aimed at delivering urgent medical and psychological aid.

 

The unfolding mental health crisis is a stark reminder of the broader humanitarian impact of the border conflict. It emphasises the urgent need for continued support and resources to mitigate the physical and psychological scars left on the affected communities. As the situation develops, the resilience and solidarity of the medical teams remain a beacon of hope amid adversity.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-31

 

 

[hotchilli]

Total mess which could have been avoided.

[black tabby12345]

Cost of misplaced national pride.