Bangkok: The Ministry of Interior has directed governors of seven border provinces to implement four specific guidelines aimed at maintaining peace and ensuring public safety amid ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Traisuree Traisaranakul, Secretary to the Minister of Interior and Spokesperson of the Ministry, stated that the Department of Provincial Administration has issued an urgent communication to the governors of Trat, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, and Buriram. This directive comes in response to recent clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces at the Chong Bok border in Ubon Ratchathani Province on 28 May 2015, which necessitated heightened security measures.
The guidelines outlined by the Ministry involve a comprehensive approach to internal security. Firstly, district chiefs and local leaders are instructed to prioritize the safety of residents by assessing risks, planning evacuations, and ensuring shelters are prepared. Personnel readiness and support for military operations in the area are also emphasized.
The second guideline tasks provincial governors, as commanders of the Volunteer Defense Corps, with preparing emergency response teams and monitoring sensitive border areas. They are instructed to follow existing border security plans and are expected to incorporate these directives into their annual missions for 2025.
Public communication is the focus of the third guideline, which stresses the importance of keeping the public informed with official updates to prevent panic and ensure appropriate responses to any developments.
Finally, in cases of unrest affecting public safety, provinces must report incidents promptly to the Department of Provincial Administration for ongoing assessment and response.
These measures are part of a broader strategy to maintain stability and order along the Thai-Cambodian border, ensuring the safety of citizens while supporting military efforts in the region.