Thailand Files Lawsuit for Hospital Damage
The Ministry of Public Health in Thailand has estimated damages from the recent Cambodia-Thailand border clashes to be around 146 million baht, with Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin province sustaining the most severe losses, around 46 million baht. In response, the Ministry plans to pursue both criminal and civil lawsuits against Cambodia at national and international levels for the harm caused to Thai hospitals and health infrastructure.
These planned lawsuits come amid ongoing border tensions and disputes, with Cambodia asserting its claims based on ICJ rulings and historical maps, while Thailand rejects further ICJ jurisdiction beyond the 2013 ruling. Thailand prefers resolving issues through bilateral negotiation, complicating potential enforcement of ICJ decisions.
As of mid-August 2025, no further details or updates on the progress or filing dates of these lawsuits against Cambodia have been reported.
In the meantime, the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border remains volatile. Schools in the affected areas will remain closed until the situation improves, with some potential for case-by-case reopenings. Medical teams have been prepared, and odour-mitigating sprays may also be supplied to troops at the border.
The Ministry of Public Health is also addressing the mental health needs of the affected population. Mental health teams have screened 79,326 people, with 4,452 diagnosed with high stress and 492 identified as having a suicide risk. The Deputy Education Minister, Linthiphon Warinwatcharoj, said schools will work with the Public Health Ministry and Chulalongkorn University to help with the mental health recovery of children in affected areas.
The General Border Committee (GBC) meeting is scheduled for today in Kuala Lumpur, and the Ministry will continue coordinating with the Thailand-Cambodia General Border Committee and monitoring the situation closely. Medical teams will be on standby should locals be allowed to return home, depending on the meeting's outcome.
Among 149 tambon health-promotion hospitals, 37 are fully operational, 31 are partially operational, and 81 remain closed. The Health Department has provided 3,000 N95 masks to troops at the border. No new information about the current status of hospital operations was mentioned.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Thai government remains committed to seeking justice and addressing the needs of its people along the border. The Ministry's legal action and ongoing efforts to support the mental and physical health of the affected population demonstrate this commitment.
- The planned legal action by the Ministry of Public Health in Thailand against Cambodia, due to the damages caused by war-and-conflicts at the border, is complicating political relations between the two countries.
- Amidst the volatile health-and-wellness situation along the Thai-Cambodian border, the Ministry of Public Health is also focusing on mental health, with mental health teams screening a significant number of people and identifying those at risk.
- The General News highlights the ongoing efforts by the Thai government, particularly the Ministry of Public Health, to address the physical and mental health needs of those affected by the border conflicts, while simultaneously pursuing legal action for reparations.
