Bangkok: "Pipat" has mobilized transportation authorities to address the escalating situation at the Thai-Cambodian border, closing high-risk routes, evacuating people, and overseeing shelters across all provinces. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, is actively monitoring the unrest and has instructed all agencies under the Ministry of Transport to collaborate in assisting affected citizens, with public safety, evacuation of vulnerable groups, and transportation facilitation as top priorities.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Transport has been working closely with provincial and security forces to provide swift and effective assistance in response to recent unrest affecting several border provinces. In Buriram Province, clashes in Ban Kruat District near Chong Sai Takoo led to the evacuation of residents from Ban Kruat and Lahan Sai districts. Highway 224 was closed for safety, with the Buriram Provincial Transport Office deploying 10 vehicles to aid in the evacuation and support temporary shelters.
In Surin Province, ongoing unrest has displaced over 80,000 individuals, who are now seeking refuge in 145 temporary shelters. The Surin Provincial Transport Office has been actively monitoring these shelters, providing support to the province and the Department of Land Transport by integrating efforts with various sectors to ensure public and official safety and morale.
Trat Province has also been affected, with the Department of Highways reporting a stray bullet impact on Highway 3, prompting temporary road closures. Security agencies have evacuated residents from border areas to Trat city, while the Trat Highway District Office has relocated highway maintenance units from high-risk areas to safer locations in line with their emergency response plan.
Mr. Pipat emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and reporting of the situation, adjusting train plans and route usage to the actual conditions, and supporting evacuation and shelter operations in all affected provinces. The Ministry of Transport is committed to integrating its efforts with provinces, security forces, and relevant agencies to ensure public and official safety, standing by the people in border areas until the unrest is resolved.