Bangkok: The Cabinet approved a budget of 433.5 million baht to construct bunkers and broadcasting towers to enhance security in seven provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border, improving the efficiency of communication and early warning systems.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Cabinet approved the allocation of a budget of 433,519,268 baht from the central budget, under the reserve fund for emergencies or necessities, for the fiscal year 2026. This budget will be allocated to the Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior, to implement a project supporting the management and protection of rear-areas in the Thai-Cambodian border provinces. The aim is to enhance the safety of citizens and officials in the area, as well as improve the efficiency of communication and early warning systems.
The deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office stated that the budget covers three urgent activities: the construction of 1,669 bunkers and shelters totaling 361,021,218 baht; the construction of 143 village broadcasting towers totaling 22,880,000 baht; and the upgrading of a digital dedicated radio communication system to cover seven provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border, totaling 49,618,050 baht.
Ms. Lalida emphasized the importance of increasing safe zones for citizens in the event of conflict and ensuring that information and warnings from the government reach people in border areas quickly and accurately, especially during emergencies.
The project will cover seven provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border and support the operations of local administration, members of the Volunteer Defense Corps, and village security teams, who play a role in maintaining peace and order, protecting the public, and safeguarding homes and property in cases where evacuation is necessary.
Previously, the Budget Bureau had considered a budget framework of 493,819,268 baht covering four activities, including the procurement of 1,675 shotguns at a cost of 60.3 million baht to support the operations of village security units. However, because this procurement is still undergoing the review and permitting process according to relevant laws, the Ministry of Interior proposed to proceed only with the three activities that are ready and urgently needed first. Therefore, the budget proposed for approval this time is 433.52 million baht.
The project aims to ensure border areas are well-equipped with shelters, information systems, early warning systems, and communication channels between agencies and the public. This will enhance their capacity to respond to security situations, including other border issues such as illegal immigration, smuggling of untaxed goods, drug trafficking, and transnational crime.
Ms. Lalida concluded by stating that the government prioritizes the safety of people in border areas, focusing on practical and immediate implementation, including shelters and communication systems, to ensure that people receive timely warnings and assistance in emergency situations.