Thai - Cambodia Conflict Cambodian Forces Attack Leaves Surin Hospital in Ruins

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of KhaoSod

 

Today, the Ministry of Public Health announced a devastating attack on Panom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin province, which has resulted in damage exceeding 45 million baht. The assault, carried out by Cambodian military forces, left the hospital grappling with extensive destruction.

 

An investigation by the Surin Provincial Public Health Office on August 2 unveiled the full extent of the damage, necessitating potential reconstruction of four critical buildings. Initially, the ministry estimated the damages at 3,350,000 baht, relying on photographs due to restricted access. However, a comprehensive on-site evaluation now presents a grim financial toll of 45,050,000 baht.

 

This tragic incident saw significant harm to several major structures. The Phumipat and Kwanphumin Buildings each face repair costs of 7 million baht, while the Luang Ta Rod Building leads with damages amounting to 15 million baht. Additionally, a three-storey nurses' dormitory has been severely impacted, with repair costs also estimated at 15 million baht.

 

Further damage assessments highlight a variety of additional critical issues: a restroom roof requiring 300,000 baht in repairs, a security post damaged to the tune of 150,000 baht, and the hospital’s front exit sign requiring 200,000 baht for restoration. Disrepair extends to the roofs of structures in front of the Kwanphumin Building and by the nurses’ dormitory car park, each needing 200,000 baht worth of repairs.

 

This incident has not only left a significant financial burden but also an emotional one, impacting both hospital staff and patients alike. As medical care is essential, the destruction of such a facility raises concerns over immediate healthcare needs in the province and the long-term reconstruction plans required to restore full functionality.

 

The attack has quickly escalated tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Discussions have already begun at higher governmental levels to address this breach of peace. Diplomatic channels are actively pursuing resolutions, with Thailand demanding accountability and assurances against further aggression.

 

Local communities in Surin have expressed a mixture of shock and resilience. Families of healthcare professionals and patients are rallying around to provide support, while local businesses and organisations have begun to mobilise resources for emergency repairs and supplies.

 

In the background, this incident highlights the ongoing need for robust security and diplomatic measures to prevent similar acts of aggression. The international community is watching closely, with calls for a thorough investigation into the motives and any accountability measures appropriate for such a breach.

 

As reconstruction efforts and diplomatic negotiations advance, the focus remains firmly on ensuring that no further strains are placed on the province’s essential health services. Plans are being developed in cooperation with regional authorities to expedite the rebuilding process, ensuring that the community’s healthcare needs are met.

 

The Ministry of Public Health is expected to continue updating the public as more information comes to light. Authorities are keen to assure residents that despite the damage, healthcare services will resume as swiftly as possible, underpinned by a strong commitment to ensuring safety and security.

 

Ultimately, while such incidents heavily test the resilience of communities and relations, the unified response from local authorities, the Ministry, and civic bodies aims to underpin a swift, comprehensive recovery. The hope remains that with clarity and cooperation, the future will reflect lessons learned, enhancing stability and peace in the region.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-04

 

[fredwiggy]

Was in Kantharalak when  they hit the 7-11 gas station. heard the 5 booms. Maybe 5 kilos away. One Thai soldier was killed near my house, and when I came back to check the house last Saturday, there was artillery hitting in a few directions around me. 

[Chalong circle]

"Today, the Ministry of Public Health announced a devastating attack on Panom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin province".

 

There was an attack today ? Or bad reporting ? 

[fredwiggy]

23 minutes ago, Chalong circle said:

"Today, the Ministry of Public Health announced a devastating attack on Panom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin province".

 

There was an attack today ? Or bad reporting ? 

The assessment occurred on August 2,  it happened I believe on July 24th.

[Yagoda]

Thank god Trump stopped the fighting.

[angryguy]

7 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Thank god Trump stopped the fighting.

And no credit. I dont remember obama or biden preventing any wars

[bubblegum]

God with capital G . And he did not stop anything at all you fool.

 

Why do I see you posting any Trump remarks on other topics? Starting to change your mind?

[Yagoda]

18 minutes ago, angryguy said:

And no credit. I dont remember obama or biden preventing any wars

They were too busy lining their own pockets and "transforming" America.

[Yagoda]

6 minutes ago, bubblegum said:

And he did not stop anything at all you fool.

Says who, you fool.

 

 

[gtr]

Looking at the full suite online of photos was the hospital even used ? The whole place looked void of anything medical ,no beds not thing to be seen just empty rooms .

[JAG]

8 minutes ago, gtr said:

Looking at the full suite online of photos was the hospital even used ? The whole place looked void of anything medical ,no beds not thing to be seen just empty rooms .

I thought that it was a " sub district health promotion hospital", basically a clinic, staffed by a couple of nurses, a couple of nurses aides and an administrator; open 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

 

Now don't get me wrong, they are excellent establishments, central to community health care. They are, I suspect left alone to get on with the job by the "management elite" because they are not sufficiently "glamorous". They provide an excellent service - my local one changes the dressings on my foot every day and I am very grateful. They provide a focus for the various community health care volunteer groups who are active in rural areas. But they are not really a hospital in the understood sense of the word.

 

Still shouldn't have been targeted; although, like the 7/11 I suspect the result of stupid firing of inaccurate rockets from poorly surveyed launch sites, aimed in the general direction of Thailand.