Bangkok: People from the Thai-Cambodian border provinces have petitioned the House Welfare Committee to expedite relief efforts for those affected. They urged Thais not to incite others, pointing out that local residents have been suffering severely for four months. Meanwhile, Wannawipa urged the new Cabinet to urgently consider the matter. Ms. Wanwipa Maison, Member of Parliament for the People’s Party and Chairwoman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Social Welfare, received a letter from Mr. Anuwat Wangphanawong, a representative of citizens affected by the situation on the Thai-Cambodian border.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anuwat stated that he has brought the people’s concerns to the committee and the authorities who must take action in the area. He explained that throughout the past, along the Thai-Cambodian border, they have encountered various situations. When there is a dispute, border residents panic. They must remain alert and are the first to be affected by any clashes, leading to forced evacuations and business closures. Even after situations calm down, measures remain in place, affecting income and livelihood. The hardships faced by border residents include economic and livelihood issues, with many families facing problems such as no income for four months, vehicle seizures, and the inability to afford education. Public transport drivers have also had their vehicles seized, and family leaders are leaving the area to find alternatives for making a living, leaving behind vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

Mr. Anuwat also highlighted security and peace of mind concerns for local people, noting poor mental health due to despair and uncertainty. He stated that incitement and agitation, both domestic and international, exacerbate the situation. The local people are calling for their livelihoods to be restored and for some compensation, along with the reopening of checkpoints. Social media posts are often met with accusations of selfishness and betrayal. Despite enduring these challenges, adequate compensation has not been received. Mr. Anuwat emphasized the urgency for policies to improve the lives of local people, stating that the affected residents have been suffering for four months and are waiting for support from fellow Thais to help them have a brighter future.

Ms. Wannawipa stated that compensation has been delayed due to the lack of Cabinet approval. Previously, revised documents prevented the previous Cabinet from reviewing them. The committee is awaiting the new Cabinet’s approval, with over 250,000 people registered for compensation but not yet receiving it. The committee is urgently writing to the Cabinet to expedite consideration of compensation at the top of the first Cabinet meetings to ensure that compensation for border residents is provided as quickly as possible.