Thai - Cambodia Conflict Thai Hospitals Halt Admissions Amid Border Tensions with Cambodia

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

Amid escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, a hospital in Ubon Ratchathani announced today it will suspend admissions of Cambodian patients until August 10. Ongoing unrest has led to damage across several medical facilities, prompting this decisive action.

 

Sapphasitthiprasong Hospital, known for treating both Thai and international patients, including Cambodians, has paused new admissions and services for Cambodian nationals due to security concerns. The decision reflects increasing worries over national safety as border hostilities continue.

 

In addition to halting admissions, the hospital will cease dispensing medication for Cambodian patients and suspend the use of Khmer translators and volunteers during this period. Current Cambodian patients will be treated in a restricted area to ensure their safety and the facility’s security.

 

Government spokesperson Mr. Jirayu Huangsap condemned the Cambodian military’s actions, highlighting their impact on Thai medical facilities along the border. “Such actions violate basic humanitarian principles and international law,” he stated. The government shared images revealing the extent of the damage to hospitals in the affected areas.

 

Foremost among them is the Phnom Dong Rak 80th Anniversary Hospital, alongside several subdistrict health promoting hospitals, including Kham Ploy and Khok. These facilities have suffered significant disruption, illustrating the crisis’s reach.

 

Eleven hospitals, such as Nam Khun, Nam Yuen, and Kantharalak, have been forced to close their doors entirely. Nine others remain partially open, with emergency services still operational to handle urgent cases.

 

A staggering 144 subdistrict health promoting hospitals have reported disruptions, with 140 completely closed and four operating on a limited basis. Primary assessments indicate that four hospitals have sustained direct physical damage, necessitating long-term structural repairs.

 

The financial ramifications are considerable, as regional healthcare infrastructure struggles to cope with the dual challenges of increased demand and reduced capacity. As authorities work to address these concerns, the crisis underscores the vulnerability of border regions to geopolitical tensions.

 

Efforts to alleviate the situation are underway, with local and national stakeholders striving to maintain healthcare services amidst the ongoing turmoil. The temporary suspension at Sapphasitthiprasong Hospital is a stark reminder of the broader implications, impacting both medical service access and international relations.

 

This unfolding situation continues to develop, demanding vigilance and dialogue to prevent further escalation and restore stability to the region.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-07-31

 

 

[phil2407]

Bit harsh, refusing treatment to the Cambodians just because of what their Government are doing! Is refusal legal? 

[Will B Good]

Interesting.....just read a article about Palestinian doctors and nurses working in Israeli hospitals........they made the oath!!!