BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai Cabinet has approved 433.5 million baht in emergency funding to strengthen safety and communications in seven provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border, with the money going toward 1,669 shelters, village warning towers and upgraded digital radio systems. Government spokeswoman Lalida Periswiwatana said the 433,519,268-baht allocation will be given to the Department of Provincial Administration under the Interior Ministry to improve protection for residents and officials and strengthen emergency warning and communications systems.
The funding covers three urgent measures: 1,669 bunkers and shelters costing 361.02 million baht, 143 village public-address towers costing 22.88 million baht, and improvements to digital radio communications covering all seven border provinces costing 49.62 million baht. The government said the shelters are intended to provide safe areas for residents in the event of clashes, while the warning towers and upgraded communications network will allow emergency information to reach border communities more quickly and reliably.
The measures will also support provincial officials, Volunteer Defense Corps members and village security teams responsible for maintaining order, protecting residents and safeguarding homes and property if communities have to evacuate. The original budget proposal was 493.82 million baht and included 1,675 shotguns worth 60.3 million baht for village security teams. However, the Interior Ministry removed the firearms component from the current request because procurement remains subject to legal procedures and approval.
The government said the remaining three measures were considered ready and urgently needed, resulting in the approved allocation of 433.52 million baht. Lalida said the project is aimed at strengthening border communities’ ability to respond not only to armed clashes but also to illegal entry, smuggling, drug trafficking and transnational crime.
She said the priority is to provide practical safety measures that can be implemented quickly, particularly shelters and communications systems that can help residents receive warnings and assistance during emergencies. The project covers seven provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border and is intended to improve overall preparedness and coordination between authorities and local communities. (TNA)
