Surin: The Head of the Chong Chom Communicable Disease Control Checkpoint has disclosed that Cambodia has refused to accept medicine intended for patients, despite the assistance offered by Thailand. This revelation comes amid a halt in emergency patient transfers through the checkpoint since the onset of the current Thai-Cambodian situation.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sumet Butdee, who leads the Chong Chom International Communicable Disease Control Checkpoint in Surin Province, discussed the ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian care for Cambodian patients. He explained that the procedures for transferring emergency patients are aligned with military regulations, and while Cambodia has halted patient transfers through Chong Chom, the Thai side remains prepared for potential coordination. Currently, there has been no coordination, with most Cambodian patients opting to travel through Laos to the Chong Mek permanent checkpoint in Ubon Ratchathani Province.
Mr. Butdee further elaborated on the delivery of medication for patients requiring continuous treatment, such as those with diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Cambodian patients who receive treatment in Thailand customarily purchase their medication and have it delivered across the border. Despite the unstable situation, Thai officials have been delivering medication, though Cambodia has recently refused these deliveries, beginning at approximately 2:00 p.m. today. Thai officials continue to adhere to humanitarian principles, attempting to resolve what may be a misunderstanding, as Cambodian media has reported, albeit inaccurately, that Thailand has banned medication delivery at the Chong Chom border. Patients are responsible for their medication expenses, and the Thai side remains committed to facilitating medication deliveries to ensure uninterrupted patient treatment.
Regarding Cambodia's refusal to accept the medicine, Mr. Butdee stated that the reasons remain unknown, emphasizing that the Thai duty is solely to deliver the medication. He also confirmed that there have been no emergency patient transfers through the Chong Chom route since the situation began, but assured that Thailand is prepared to act should Cambodia initiate coordination.