Border Hospitals Reopen Slowly Amid Ceasefire

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post
 

Hospitals in border regions of Thailand began reopening on Monday as a ceasefire between Thai and Cambodian forces entered its second day. Kantharalak Hospital in Si Sa Ket returned to full operation, while Kap Choeng and Phanomdongrak hospitals in Surin partially resumed services. The Ministry of Public Health stated that emergency and outpatient care would be prioritized as the situation stabilizes.

The closure of several hospitals followed the outbreak of conflict in early December, impacting medical services near the contested border. On Saturday, a ceasefire agreement took effect at noon after being signed by both countries. Six hospitals remain closed, including Phusing in Si Sa Ket and Ban Kruat in Buri Ram, pending further developments.

The ceasefire has prompted a cautious return to normalcy. Dr. Ekkachai Prompetchara, a health ministry spokesman, explained that evacuees in Sa Kaeo might start returning home by Wednesday, after the first 72 hours of the ceasefire. The Sa Kaeo public health office is ready to provide ambulances for bed-ridden patients.

Relief efforts include mental health monitoring and disease surveillance lasting 14 days. Currently, 660 shelters house around 80,981 displaced individuals. Authorities continue to support affected communities and work towards restoring full healthcare services.

For those affected by the conflict, crucial support systems remain in place to ensure their health and safety. Looking forward, authorities are prepared for potential challenges, with continuous monitoring of the ceasefire's stability and associated impacts, reported Bangkok Post.

Key Takeaways

• As the truce holds, hospitals near the border are reopening.
• Six hospitals remain closed awaiting further assessment.
• Evacuee returns and mental health support are prioritized.

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Foreign Patient Surge Strains Thai Border Hospitals

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-12-29