Thailand to Initiate Legal Action for Hospital Damage
In the aftermath of the intense border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia in 2025, the focus has shifted from legal actions to military conflict and diplomatic efforts. As of August 2025, there are no publicly reported lawsuits filed by the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand against Cambodia.
The 2025 conflict, marked by artillery fire, airstrikes, and ground engagements, began in late May and involved disputed border areas, particularly near temples like Prasat Ta Muen Thom. Both countries agreed to an unconditional ceasefire on July 28, 2025, following heightened tensions and international diplomatic efforts.
The Thai military responded with bombings of Cambodian positions and border closures, while Cambodia accused Thailand of unprovoked attacks. Diplomatic responses included ambassador recalls and border checkpoint closures.
While the Ministry of Public Health would typically not be the entity to file such lawsuits, it's worth noting that the Public Health Department has been actively addressing the impact of the conflict on health facilities and people. As of the latest update, among 149 tambon health-promotion hospitals, 37 are fully operational, 31 are partially operational, and 81 remain closed.
The estimated damage to hospitals due to the border clashes is approximately 146 million baht, with Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin suffering the most severe losses, about 46 million baht. To mitigate the health risks, the Health Department has provided 3,000 N95 masks to troops at the border and may also supply odour-mitigating sprays.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Education Minister, Linthiphon Warinwatcharoj, is working with the Public Health Ministry and Chulalongkorn University to help with the mental health recovery of children in affected areas. Schools along the border may be allowed to reopen on a case-by-case basis.
Regarding the mental health screening and diagnosis numbers for children in affected areas, no further information has been provided. However, details regarding eligibility and healthcare programs for relatives mentioned by Mr. Somsak, such as education quotas and privileges for children, spouses, and siblings of military and border police personnel killed or injured in the conflict, will follow.
Medical teams will be on standby should locals be allowed to return home, depending on the meeting's outcome. Mental health teams have screened 79,326 people, and 4,452 were diagnosed with high stress. A lawsuit will be filed against those responsible for the damages.
In conclusion, the current situation remains primarily a military and diplomatic issue rather than a legal one, with no lawsuit by the Thai Ministry of Public Health against Cambodia reported amid these recent border conflicts and ceasefire agreements.
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- Despite the ongoing war-and-conflicts between Thailand and Cambodia, the focus of the Thai Ministry of Public Health appears to have shifted towards addressing mental health issues of children in affected areas, as well as mitigating health risks and providing necessary resources, such as N95 masks and odour-mitigating sprays.
- Science plays a crucial role in the current border conflict as medical teams are on standby to assess and treat the health effects of the war, particularly the high stress levels reported among 4,452 individuals screened.
- While the Thai Ministry of Public Health has not filed any lawsuits against Cambodia, there is a reported focus on politics, both nationally and internationally, as governments and diplomats work to negotiate ceasefires and address general-news reporting suggests that a lawsuit may be filed against those responsible for the damages caused by the conflict.
