Thai Tourism Loses $92M Monthly Amid Cambodia Border Conflict

By

-

6 August 2025, 18:45

sa kaeo28-07-2025 — Cambodians sit near Rong Kluea Market in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, waiting to cross the permanent Ban Khlong Luek border checkpoint on July 28. Rong Kluea Market was once a bustling trading venue and tourist attraction.

BANGKOK — The ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is costing Thailand’s tourism sector nearly 3 billion baht ($92.6 million) per month, with over 5,000 hotel rooms cancelled nationwide and major tourist attractions closed, Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced.

The border clashes have severely disrupted tourism across seven Thai provinces bordering Cambodia, forcing checkpoint closures and triggering widespread cancellations due to security concerns. Hotels that remain open are largely occupied by aid workers and journalists rather than tourists.

sorawong 05 08 2025 — Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong gives an interview to reporters at Government House on August 5, 2025.

Minister Sorawong described the impact across the affected border provinces:

Ubon Ratchathani: Some hotels have temporarily closed until August 4, 2025. Group travel bookings have been completely cancelled, with 70% of remaining hotel occupancy coming from aid workers and media. Authorities have prepared evacuation plans for over 40,000 residents if needed.

Sisaket: Strict controls at the Chong Sa-Ngam border crossing have slowed tourism on both sides. All group tour bookings were cancelled, with 50% of hotel guests being aid workers and journalists. Cross-border trade continues despite partial disruptions.

Surin: Border hotels have closed or restricted operations, with 80% of group bookings cancelled. The Enduro Race motorbike competition has been postponed. However, Thai visitors are travelling to Ta Muen Thom and Ta Kwai temples to show support for soldiers and demonstrate national unity.

Buriram: Some border hotels suspended operations while others offer special rates for evacuees. Major attractions including Phanom Rung Historical Park and Muang Tam Sanctuary remain closed, and all Chang International Circuit events have been postponed.

phnomrung buriram — Phanom Rung Historical Park has remained closed since July 26, 2025, when it was closed for security reasons.

Sa Kaeo: Hotel occupancy continues declining, with 100% cancellations in Aranyaprathet district and 80% in Muang district. Thai authorities have banned gamblers, tourists, and entertainment workers from crossing into Cambodia.

Chanthaburi: Tourism bookings dropped 80%, with cross-border trade slowing due to new checkpoint operating hours. While Cambodian workers continue entering Thailand legally, Cambodia has banned imports of Thai vegetables, fruits, and fresh food.

Trat: Martial law was imposed in Khao Saming district following violent clashes that triggered evacuations in three border districts. Island tourism has also suffered significant cancellations: Koh Chang (10-30%), Koh Mak (20-30%), and Koh Kood (50-60%).

“Should there be unsafe situations involving international tourists, the Ministry of Tourism has provincial-level mechanisms to provide immediate assistance, including local tourism officials and coordination with tourist police,” Sorawong said.

_____

Sixth Dinosaur Fossil Unearthed in Khon Kaen Boosts Thailand’s UNESCO Geopark Bid

By

Khaosod English

-

6 August 2025, 17:43

KHON KAEN — Thailand’s first dinosaur paleontologist has unveiled the fossil remains of a sixth new dinosaur species discovered at Phu Wiang National Park in Khon Kaen Province, significantly strengthening the region’s bid for UNESCO Global Geopark status.

The Khon Kaen Provincial Public Relations Office brought 40 local journalists to witness the excavation progress of the newly discovered dinosaur fossil at excavation site 3 in Phu Wiang District, led by Dr. Warawut Suteethorn, Thailand’s pioneering dinosaur paleontologist, on August 6.

Potential Global Discovery

Dr. Warawut explained that the fossil, found at Huai Pratu Teema area within Phu Wiang National Park, represents the sixth new species discovered in the region and could potentially be a new species for the world.

The excavation began in February 2024, with researchers uncovering vertebrae from the middle body section, neck vertebrae, ribs, and teeth. However, front and hind limb bones remain buried deeper in the increasingly hard rock, requiring careful and patient excavation techniques.

sixth dinosaur4 — The sixth dinosaur fossil remains at the excavation site in Phu Wiang National Park, Khon Kaen Province.

sixth dinosaur3 — A researcher carefully excavates dinosaur fossil remains using precision tools at Phu Wiang National Park. The meticulous process requires patience and expertise as the team works through increasingly hard rock layers to uncover the complete skeleton of what could be a new global dinosaur species.

“We’re confident this is the sixth new species from Phu Wiang,” Dr. Warawut said. “We need to conduct detailed comparative studies within the Brachiosaurus group to determine its exact classification and how significantly it differs from known species. If the differences are substantial, it will be classified as a new global species.”

The fossil is expected to belong to the same group as Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae, the first dinosaur species discovered at Phu Wiang.

Tourism and Academic Hub

Sutharm Wongjan, head of Phu Wiang National Park, reported that the 200,000-rai park, consisting of 60% dry forest, serves as a crucial ecological lung for the region. Dinosaur fossils were first discovered here in 1976, leading to the area’s designation as a national park in 1991.

The site attracts over 6,000 visitors annually, including both domestic and international tourists, with particular interest from students during school holidays who come to study the fossil excavation sites.

sixth dinosaur2 — The sixth dinosaur fossil remains at the excavation site in Phu Wiang National Park, Khon Kaen Province.

World Heritage Ambitions

In 2022, Khon Kaen Province presented its case at an international paleontology conference held at Khon Kaen Geopark, aiming to achieve UNESCO Global Geopark status. Despite discovering at least five dinosaur species in the Phu Wiang valley, the designation process involves complex considerations and challenging factors requiring further improvements.

“It’s possible that by 2026, Khon Kaen Geopark could be registered as a UNESCO Global Geopark,” Dr. Warawut noted, expressing optimism about the province’s potential to become a recognized center for paleontological research and education.

____________

CP Foods Donates to Support Earthquake Recovery and Honor Military Heroes

By

MC Marketing

-

6 August 2025, 17:18

Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CP Foods) has once again reaffirmed its commitment to Thai society through the power of giving. The company recently donated THB 200,000 to support the renovation of the main building at Phramongkutklao Hospital, which was damaged by a recent earthquake. The donation is part of CP Foods’ social contribution initiative, “Every Purchase Powers Giving.”

This contribution underscores the vital role of Thai private enterprises not only in driving sustainable business growth but also in creating meaningful social impact. The donation was officially received by Maj. Gen. Sukchai Satthaphorn, Director of Phramongkutklao Hospital, to be used for restoring the hospital’s full capacity to care for patients.

In addition, CP Foods, together with members of the 67th Class of the National Defense Course, visited and extended support to injured Thai soldiers injured. Health-boosting beverages were also delivered as a gesture of encouragement and gratitude for their bravery and sacrifice.

Mr. Prasit Boondoungprasert, Chief Executive Officer of CP Foods, stated:

“Under the leadership of Senior Chairman Dhanin Chearavanont, the Charoen Pokphand Group and CP Foods uphold the “Three-Benefit Principle”—for the country, the people, and then the organization. We believe that every heartfelt contribution can serve as a powerful force in healing and empowering Thai society. We deeply thank all our heroic soldiers for their selfless service, and we stand firmly beside them during their recovery.”

CP Foods is also committed to supporting not only immediate relief efforts but also the future of the families left behind. The company provides employment opportunities for the children, spouses, and family members of fallen soldiers and border patrol officers, as a tribute to their courage and service.

Furthermore, CP Foods continues to deliver food, drinking water, and essential supplies to royal kitchens, central relief kitchens, and volunteer kitchens across five key border provinces—Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, and Trat—ensuring that both frontline officers and affected people are cared for with compassion and dignity.

This initiative stands as a testament to CP Foods’ unwavering belief in the “Power of Giving” — a commitment to standing alongside the Thai people through every challenge and cricis.

Khum Hom Four Hands: Michelin Chef Jeremy Gillon x Ian Kittichai Franco-Thai Menu

By

Contributor

-

6 August 2025, 15:06

BANGKOK – Khum Hom at Mövenpick BDMS Wellness Resort Bangkok welcomes Michelin-starred Chef Jeremy Gillon for a three-night culinary collaboration that bridges the traditions of French and Thai cuisine. Chef Gillon will join Chef Ian Kittichai at Khum Hom from 5–7 August for the ‘2025 Edition Four Hands Culinary Experience’, presenting a menu that honours the finest Thai ingredients as well as the individual culinary techniques and heritages of both chefs.

This experience represents a dialogue between two culinary philosophies: Chef Jeremy’s Normandy-rooted reverence for seasonal ingredients and Chef Ian’s deep connection to Thailand’s regional diversity.

Chef Jeremy Gillon brings a decade of Michelin-star expertise, having earned his first star at L’Epicurean in 2015. His culinary journey through Michelin-starred kitchens across France led him to develop a profound respect for seasonal ingredients. His fascination with Southeast Asian flavours culminated in his own Restaurant, JAG, in Singapore, where he redefined French cuisine with his innovative vegetable-forward approach.

“This collaboration represents the beautiful possibility that emerges when two culinary traditions engage in genuine conversation”, shared Chef Ian. “Chef Jeremy’s respect for seasonal ingredients resonates deeply with our approach to Thailand’s regional diversity, creating dishes that honour both our heritages.”

The ‘2025 Edition Four Hands Culinary Experience’ offers both seven-course and nine-course journies, priced at THB 5,200++ and THB 5,800++ respectively. Optional fine wine pairings are available to complement each course. Accor Plus members enjoy a 20% discount and earn dining reward points.

This exclusive engagement marks another chapter in Khum Hom’s celebrated Four Hands series, continuing the restaurant’s commitment to meaningful cultural connection through exceptional gastronomy.

Event Details:

Dates: 5-7 August 2025

Service: 6.30 pm onwards

Pricing: 7-course menu THB 5,200++, 9-course menu THB 5,800++

Reservations: +66 2 666 3311 or www.khumhomrestaurant.com

Nestlé Thailand Switches Six Factories to Renewable Energy

By

Khaosod English

-

6 August 2025, 14:48

Petcare Amata Rayong — Nestlé Thailand's Petcare factory at Amata City Rayong Industrial Estate

BANGKOK — Nestlé (Thai) Ltd. has begun operating all six of its Thai manufacturing facilities on green electricity from renewable sources as part of an ambitious sustainability drive aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

The food and beverage giant partnered with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) and Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) under the Utility Green Tariff 1 (UGT1) program, which supplies renewable power from hydroelectric and solar sources. The transition, which took effect in July 2025, makes Nestlé among the first fast-moving consumer goods companies in Thailand to adopt the government’s green energy initiative.

The six facilities now running on clean energy include Nestlé’s ice cream factory in Bang Chan, coffee creamer plant in Bang Pu, bottled water facilities in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and Surat Thani provinces, and two pet food manufacturing sites in Rayong province.

Nestle UGT 02 — Ms. Suchada Kongdham, (left), Director of Power Economics Policy Department, PEA; Mr. Philippe Glauser, (2nd from left), Technical Director, Nestlé (Thai) Ltd.; Mr. Praveen Narayan (2nd from right), Corporate Engineering Manager, Nestlé (Thai) Ltd.; and Mr. Amphol Sanguanwong, (right), Director of Power Economics Department, MEA

Corporate Sustainability Goals

Philippe Glauser, Technical Director of Nestlé (Thai) Ltd., emphasized that the renewable energy transition represents a crucial milestone in the company’s Net Zero 2050 roadmap. “Transitioning to renewable electricity is not an option; it is a necessity for sustainably protecting our planet,” Glauser said.

The initiative supports Nestlé’s goal of powering all Thai operations with 100% renewable electricity by the end of 2025, while maintaining the company’s commitment to producing affordable, nutritious products under ESG principles.

netle Suratthani — Nestlé Thailand’s bottled water facility in Surat Thani province

Government Support for Industrial Green Energy

Amphol Sanguanwong, Director of MEA’s Power Economics Department, highlighted the program’s role in meeting growing industrial demand for clean energy. “This initiative reflects our strong commitment to promoting the use of clean energy and supporting the rapidly growing demand for green electricity in the industrial sector,” he said.

The collaboration also aims to enhance Thailand’s long-term industrial competitiveness while meeting future energy demands sustainably, according to Suchada Kongdham, Director of PEA’s Power Economics Policy Department.

“This demonstrates a joint effort of the private and public sectors in supporting the transition to a sustainable energy system that will positively impact the economy, environment, and quality of life for Thai people over the long term,” Kongdham added.

The UGT1 program represents a significant step forward in Thailand’s renewable energy transition, providing businesses with access to clean electricity while supporting national sustainability objectives and industrial modernization efforts.

_____

Thailand Sends Masks, Inhalers to Border Troops Overwhelmed by Corpse Odors

By

Khaosod English

-

6 August 2025, 13:18

border odor1 — Examples of medicinal inhalers provided by Chaophraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital Foundation to border troops for relief from decomposing body odors.

BANGKOK — Thai health authorities are rushing face masks to Thai soldiers stationed along the Thai-Cambodia border, while a renowned herbal hospital is sending inhalers and menthol balms to help alleviate the problem of corpse odors drifting from the Cambodian side.

Thai forces have been maintaining positions along the border following five days of clashes from July 24-28. However, Thai soldiers are now facing another serious challenge: the overwhelming smell from bodies of opposing forces, prompting Thailand’s Deputy Defense Minister to request that Cambodia’s Defense Minister retrieve the remains to honor the fallen soldiers.

Please Retrieve Fallen Soldiers

General Nathapol Nakphanit, Deputy Defense Minister, expressed sympathy for the Cambodian soldiers who lost their lives, noting that the Cambodian government has denied they were their soldiers.

border odor4 — Thai military personnel stationed at Phu Makheua hill, Kantharalak district, Sisaket province, on July 29, 2025.

“Regardless of whether this is true, these are Cambodians who have died. If left unattended for too long, it could lead to disease outbreaks,” he said.

“I have emphasized to Cambodia’s Defense Minister that many Cambodian soldiers have died and have not yet been retrieved. I ask that this be handled properly according to health standards and with dignity befitting soldiers. Even though I am a Thai army officer and we may be adversaries with Cambodia, when soldiers die, we must honor them and proceed with dignity.”

Spread Hydrated Lime Powder

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang, Commander of the 2nd Army Region, reported that during his August 5 inspection of the Phu Makheua base in Kantharalak district, Sisaket province, corpse odors from Cambodian soldiers persist in the area. He has ordered troops to spread hydrated lime powder as an environmentally safe method to prevent disease and neutralize odors.

The regional commander emphasized that Thai forces have not been ordered to retrieve the Cambodian soldiers’ remains, stating this responsibility lies with the Cambodian military.

“We have coordinated with the Cambodian army to send a team to collect the bodies of their deceased soldiers to perform funeral rites and bring things to order,” he said.

Deploy N95 Masks to Border Areas

Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health is working to address the immediate problem to help alleviate the physical and psychological impact of the odors, particularly in border areas around Phu Makheua in Sisaket Province and near Ta Kway and Ta Muen Thom temples in Surin Province.

border odor3 — Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin ordered the Department of Health and Department of Disease Control to provide N95 masks to soldiers and evacuees in border areas on August 5, 2025.

Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsuthin addressed the severe odor from Cambodian soldiers’ bodies, stating he has ordered the Department of Health and Department of Disease Control to provide assistance. “The odor problem can be prevented with N95 masks, which we distributed to officials and evacuees on August 5,” he said.

He explained that chemical reactions from decomposing bodies cause the foul smell but do not spread infectious diseases, though they may cause dizziness. “For people sensitive to such odors, various problems may arise. Using N95 masks or sprays may provide relief.”

Traditional Medicine Support

Meanwhile, Dr. Supaporn Pitiporn, Chairman of the Thai Wisdom Development Committee at Chaophraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital Foundation, announced that the foundation is rushing to send 2,000 tubes of “therapeutic inhalers and menthol balms” to border areas to help Thai-Khmer border officials cope with odors from deceased Cambodian soldiers.

She noted that traditionally, herbs such as guava leaves, wild betel leaves, kaffir lime, ma-sang, pikul flowers, and hidden-scent flowers were used to mask corpse odors.

border odor2 — Chaophraya Abhaibhubejhr Hospital Foundation team members preparing medicinal inhaler packages for border military personnel on August 5, 2025.

“Currently, essential oils under aromatherapy science can provide partial relief, such as peppermint and menthol, which help alleviate sensations. Combined with N95 masks with carbon filters, these can help filter VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and irritating odors.”

The pharmacist advised affected civilians without access to inhalers or menthol balms to use herbs like wild betel leaves, kaffir lime leaves, or kaffir lime fruit. “Crush them to release their scent, then apply to your hands and rub on your arms and legs. These scents can help alleviate odors, especially wild betel leaves, which are quite effective against corpse odors and are readily available in Surin Province.”

_____________

Why Neither the Thai government Nor the Thai people Nominate Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, Unlike Cambodia

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

-

6 August 2025, 10:40

One interesting thing is that while the Cambodian government proposed US President Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize and a good number of Cambodian people expressed admiration for Trump after he pushed for a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia (with some even calling for the US to establish a military base there), there was really no such widespread praise in Thailand.

Part of this is because some ultranationalist Thais felt that the military conflict wasn’t conclusive. Some even wanted the Thai armed forces to invade Phnom Penh, “to settle the score once and for all.” However, Cambodians saw it differently—they believed that without Trump’s intervention, the casualties and damage would have been much worse. Cambodians see themselves as the victims of the conflict, saved by Trump’s intervention.

Meanwhile, some groups in Thailand, particularly the progressive or leftist factions, viewed Trump as not a true man of peace. They pointed to his blatant support for the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his comment about Gaza being prime real estate, and the attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. Ordinary Thais also do not see Trump’s handling of illegal immigrants in the US in a positive light.

Another point of interest is that while Cambodians were outraged with the Swedish government for having sold the Gripen jets that Thailand used to attack military targets in Cambodia, they didn’t criticise the US for selling F-16s to Thailand, even though the F-16s were also used in the operation against Cambodian military targets, and used first. I believe this is because Cambodians were trying to be considerate and wanted to maintain a good relationship with the US.

In all of this, China, which has enormous influence in Cambodia to the point of Cambodia almost being its semi-client state, must be feeling very uneasy. They’ll need to quickly find a way to counter this before the US’s influence in Cambodia grows too strong, as this is happening so close to their backyard.

One of the key lessons from the undeclared five-day war between Thailand and Cambodia is that the two nations can’t help but become a stage for the rivalry between the two superpowers—the US and China. Thais and their government should be mindful and act with a clear head when dealing with both the US and China, avoiding the tendency to see things in black and white, and continue to maintain a delicate balance with the two superpowers.

On another level, Cambodia’s pro-American stance will likely push China to compete to be more generous with Cambodia.

___________

Four Chinese Burglars Steal Canadian Woman’s Safe in Nonthaburi

By

Khaosod English

-

5 August 2025, 20:42

chinese canada1 — Police officers examine burglary tools used by four Chinese thieves who broke into a Canadian woman's home in Nonthaburi Province on August 5, 2025.

NONTHABURI — Four Chinese nationals who entered Thailand on tourist visas have been arrested for burglarizing a Canadian woman’s home in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok. The suspects made off with an entire safe containing valuables worth 600,000 baht (approximately $18,530).

Mrs. Julie, a Canadian citizen, filed a police report at Pak Kret Police Station on July 30 after discovering the theft. She had been vacationing in Koh Samui with her family from July 20-30, and upon returning home, found that the safe from her second-floor office in the Nichada Thani housing development had been stolen. The safe contained approximately $18,530 in cash and various documents.

Police investigation revealed CCTV footage showing the burglars breaking into the Canadian woman’s home on July 26 at around 7:00 p.m. The suspects climbed over the side fence to enter the property and escaped the same way after the theft, fleeing on motorcycles.

chinese canada2 — CCTV footage shows police tracking the Chinese gang riding motorcycles from their residence to the Canadian woman’s house in Nonthaburi Province on July 26, 2025.

By tracing the suspects’ route, police discovered they had ridden motorcycles from their accommodation in Phasson 21 Village on Phattana Chonbot Road, Khlong Song Ton Nun, Lat Krabang district, Bangkok, at approximately 3:23 PM. They switched motorcycles during the operation and returned to their residence around 9:53 PM after completing the burglary.

Pak Kret Police gathered evidence and obtained a search warrant from the Criminal Court on August 3 to search the suspects’ residence, working alongside Immigration Police Region 1. The operation resulted in the arrest of four Chinese men: Mr. Liu (35), Mr. Ya (48), Mr. Li (34), and Mr. Wei (37).

chinese canada4 — Officers from Pak Kret Police Station, Nonthaburi Province, and Immigration Police Region 1 officially photograph the arrest of four Chinese suspects (center) on August 5, 2025.

Police seized 31 items of evidence, including 20 Thai 1,000-baht notes, 121 Turkish 200-lira notes, 64 Syrian 5,000-pound notes, 8 mobile phones, 2 motorcycles, clothing used during the crime, a blue safety helmet, 2 TAG Heuer watches, a ladder, and burglary tools.

The four suspects face charges of conspiracy to commit theft at night using vehicles to facilitate the crime or escape, and receiving stolen goods. The second suspect faces an additional charge of illegal entry into Thailand as his tourist visa had expired.

Immigration Police Region 1 officials discovered that this Chinese group had frequently entered and exited Thailand over an extended period as tourists. Authorities are now investigating whether they committed similar crimes in other areas.

_______

Welcome to Phuket! Hungarian Baby Boy Born on Coconut Island

By

Khaosod English

-

5 August 2025, 19:16

baby hungary1 — Hungarian tourist successfully gives birth to baby boy on Coconut Island, Phuket Province, on August 4, 2025.

PHUKET — A pregnant Hungarian tourist visiting Phuket unexpectedly gave birth to her son on a small, beautiful Thai island with the help of a team of delighted volunteers.

The dramatic moments unfolded around 9 p.m. on Monday when the Phuket Kusoldham Foundation received a report that a foreign woman in late pregnancy was experiencing labor pains on Coconut Island in Koh Kaew subdistrict, Mueang Phuket district, and urgently requested assistance to transport her to the mainland at Laem Hin Pier.

baby hungary2 — The rescue team is transporting the Hungarian mother and newborn baby from Coconut Island to Laem Hin Pier, Phuket Province, on August 4, 2025.

Rescue volunteers took approximately 15 minutes by boat from Laem Hin Pier to reach Coconut Island, where they assessed the condition of Mrs. Ancrea, a 39-year-old Hungarian woman. They determined she wouldn’t be able to hold off delivery during transport, as she was experiencing frequent contractions, her cervix had begun to dilate, and her water had broken.

The experienced rescue team assisted the Hungarian woman until she successfully delivered a baby boy. The newborn was healthy and fully formed.

The team then called for an EMS Advanced ambulance to wait at Laem Hin Pier while they transported the Hungarian mother from Coconut Island to the pier, and safely delivered both mother and child to Bangkok Hospital Phuket.

___

ICRC Visits Cambodian Prisoners of War Held by Thai Army

By

Khaosod English

-

5 August 2025, 16:50

ICRC 1 — ICRC officials visit the detention facility under the 2nd Army Area's jurisdiction in northeastern Thailand on August 5, 2025.

BANGKOK — The International Committee of the Red Cross conducted a standard visit to 18 Cambodian prisoners of war held by Thailand’s military, amid ongoing border tensions between the two countries.

On August 5, 2025, ICRC officials from Bangkok visited the detention facility in the 2nd Army Area’s jurisdiction, facilitated by the Royal Thai Army and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visit followed standard ICRC procedures for assessing prisoner conditions and enabling family communication.

Standard Humanitarian Protocol

Thai military officials emphasized the visit was conducted under normal ICRC protocols rather than as an inspection demanded by Cambodia. The ICRC, an internationally recognized humanitarian organization, directly oversees prisoner of war matters with established standards of neutrality.

ICRC 2 — ICRC officials visit the detention facility under the 2nd Army Area’s jurisdiction in northeastern Thailand on August 5, 2025.

“This reflects Thailand’s respect for and commitment to strict adherence to international humanitarian principles,” the Royal Thai Army stated, citing obligations under the 1949 Geneva Convention to which Thailand is a signatory.

During the visit, ICRC officials met privately with prisoners without time restrictions and arranged health examinations. Thai authorities used the opportunity to refute allegations of torture or mistreatment that have appeared in some media reports, calling such claims “entirely unfounded.”

Prisoner Conditions

The Thai Army reported all 18 Cambodian prisoners are in good health with no injuries, receiving three meals daily in safe, hygienic accommodation with regular medical attention from local physicians.

Military officials briefed the ICRC delegation on the circumstances leading to the detentions and outlined care measures, including the recent repatriation of wounded prisoners and those with psychiatric conditions to Cambodia on August 1.

pow cambodia — Thai border officials at Chong Jom, Surin Province, return two detained Cambodian men to Cambodia on August 1, 2025 after providing medical treatment.

Transparency Measures

Following ICRC protocols that prohibit outside observers during prisoner interviews, Thai representatives and media were excluded from the meetings. Thai officials characterized this as demonstrating “transparency and cooperation between the Thai side and international humanitarian organizations.”

The visit comes amid heightened tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, with both countries recently experiencing military confrontations and exchanging accusations through media channels.

____________

Hot News

LATEST NEWS