Thailand Funds Border Shelters and Warning Systems

Thailand's Cabinet on Tuesday approved 433.5 million baht in emergency funding to build shelters and improve warning and communication systems across seven provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border.

The budget, approved on 18 August, will be allocated to the Department of Provincial Administration under the Interior Ministry to strengthen security and emergency preparedness in border communities.

Government deputy spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana said the funding will cover three urgent measures.

A total of 361 million baht will be used to build 1,669 bunkers and shelters, while 22.88 million baht will fund 143 village public-address towers. Another 49.62 million baht will be spent upgrading digital radio communication systems across the seven border provinces.

The measures are intended to provide safe areas for residents and officials in the event of clashes, while allowing authorities to deliver emergency warnings and other information to communities more quickly.

The project will also support local administrative officials, volunteer defense forces and village security teams responsible for maintaining order, protecting residents and safeguarding homes and property if people are forced to evacuate.

Lalida said the improved infrastructure would also strengthen authorities' ability to respond to other security threats along the border, including illegal immigration, smuggling, drug trafficking and transnational crime.

"The government's top priority is the safety of people in border areas," Lalida said, adding that the funding would focus on measures that can be implemented quickly and used directly during emergencies.