Thailand approves 433m baht for Cambodia border safety

Thailand's Cabinet has approved almost 433,520,000 baht in emergency funding to strengthen civilian protection and communications across seven provinces on the Thai-Cambodian border.

Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Periswivatana announced the decision on 18 August, saying the budget will fund shelters, village public-address towers and a digital emergency radio network.

The money comes from the 2026 central budget's emergency and necessary reserve fund and will be administered by the Department of Provincial Administration under the Interior Ministry.

Shelters and warning systems planned

The largest allocation, 361,021,000 baht, will pay for 1,669 bunkers and evacuation shelters. A further 22,880,000 baht has been set aside for 143 village broadcasting towers.

Another 49,618,000 baht will be used to improve a dedicated digital radio communications system covering all seven border provinces.

Lalida said the central aim was to increase the number of safe places available should clashes occur, while ensuring that official information and warnings can reach border communities more quickly, accurately and widely during an emergency.

She said reliable communications can directly affect the safety of lives and property when a crisis develops.

Support for local security teams

The scheme will also support provincial administration officials, members of the Volunteer Defence Corps and village security teams. These groups help maintain public order, protect residents and look after homes and property if people have to evacuate.

The government said the project would improve preparedness not only for security incidents but also for other border-related problems, including illegal entry, smuggling of untaxed goods, narcotics and transnational crime.

Shotgun plan remains under review

The Budget Bureau had previously considered a larger framework covering one additional item. That included an additional 60.3 million baht to procure 1,675 shotguns for village security teams.

However, the firearm purchase remains subject to legal consideration and permission procedures. The Interior Ministry therefore proposed proceeding first with the three activities considered ready and urgently needed.

Lalida said the government had prioritised measures that could be put into use and implemented immediately, particularly shelters and communications systems, so that residents could receive warnings and assistance without delay.

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19 August 2026

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