Thailand allocating US$771m for reconstruction after Cambodia conflict

Komsan Prachan, 40, who lost his wife and two children when a Cambodian artillery shell slammed into a gas station, stands in front of the attached 7-Eleven convenience store that was also destroyed in Sisaket province, Thailand, 30 July. Image: Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha via Reuters Connect

Thai officials said the government was preparing a budget of 25 billion baht ($771 million) to spur reconstruction. Reuters quoted Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Pichai Chunhavajira, who told reporters earlier this week, “There will be construction, house repairs and many more.”

Chunhavajira noted the figure could be less than what is needed. “It might not be enough, and we may need to seek more,” he added.

The brief but intense conflict between the two Asian nations left dozens dead and displaced more than 300,000 people before a ceasefire was brokered on 28 July. Tensions between the two countries have flared periodically for decades, often tied to disputes near the Preah Vihear temple in Cambodia, which is near the border with Thailand.

As of 30 July, Cambodia had not formally announced a reconstruction budget. However, officials from the country’s Ministry of Rural Development said they were assessing damage to transport infrastructure and would coordinate recovery plans with provincial authorities.

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