Relief in Border Zones: Free Utilities for Evacuated Homes

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In a move to support families affected by recent unrest along the Thai-Cambodian border, the government announced on Thursday that households in officially declared evacuation zones will receive free water and electricity for July and August. The decision comes amidst ongoing recovery efforts after clashes in the region led to significant property damage.

Government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap, who is also a member of the Ad Hoc Centre for Thailand-Cambodia Border Situation, provided updates on the progress being made to assist those impacted. He reported that repairs have been completed on over 400 of the 705 affected homes, with tasks mainly involving minor damage still ongoing.

The government has mobilised various agencies to ensure swift repair work, as well as to survey and evaluate damage to determine costs, thus guaranteeing comprehensive aid reaches those in need. Funding for these efforts is sourced from the Interior Ministry, local administrative bodies, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Prime Minister’s Office Fund, the Thai Red Cross Society, and generous public donations.

As of 6pm on August 19, official assessments confirmed that a total of 705 homes across four provinces were damaged:

• Severely damaged: 41 houses
• Moderately damaged: 65 houses
• Slightly damaged: 599 houses

Among them, over 60% have been repaired. The breakdown of repairs per province is as follows:

• Si Sa Ket: 445 houses (134 repaired, 311 pending)
• Ubon Ratchathani: 139 houses (129 repaired, 10 pending)
• Surin: 107 houses (58 repaired, 49 pending)
• Buri Ram: 14 houses (10 repaired, 4 pending)

In a specific incident in Ban Kruat district, Buri Ram, some residents expressed concern upon receiving utility bills after returning to their homes. Jirayu Huangsap addressed this, asserting that Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had ordered a waiver of water and electricity charges for the designated period in these zones. Residents have been assured that any payments already made will be refunded, with adjustments made in future billing cycles. For further assistance, residents can contact the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) at their 24-hour hotline.

Jirayu reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting the affected communities, stating, “The government is fully committed to assisting those impacted, ensuring that homes, whether completely or partially damaged, are repaired promptly.”

He added, “With substantial financial backing from various sectors and the help of military units stationed in the area, our focus is on expediting relief efforts to restore normalcy as swiftly as possible.”

The relief initiative is part of a broader government strategy to address the immediate needs of evacuees and aid their transition back to everyday life. Such steps are crucial in maintaining stability and rebuilding confidence among residents who endured displacement and uncertainty due to the unrest.

By taking these decisive actions, the authorities aim to not only repair physical damage but also to foster a sense of security and support within the affected communities. The collective response is a testament to the resilience and solidarity amongst government bodies, aid organisations, and local communities working together during challenging times.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-08-22