Bangkok: The Ministry of Public Health reports that the situation at the Thai-Cambodian border is easing, and Kantaralak Hospital has resumed normal operations. Dr. Ekachai Piansriwachara, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Health, stated after the emergency medical and public health operation meeting regarding the Thai-Cambodian border, chaired by Mr. Pattana Promphat, Minister of Public Health, and attended by Dr. Somruk Chungsaman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, that the situation is beginning to ease. In the past 24 hours, there have been no further clashes for the second consecutive day. However, one more death has been reported, a patient who had been receiving treatment since December 27th. One medical facility, Kantaralak Hospital in Sisaket Province, has resumed normal operations. On December 29th, two hospitals in Surin Province partially reopened: Kab Choeng Hospital, offering only emergency and outpatient services, and Phanom Dong Rak Chale rm Phra Kiat 80th Anniversary Hospital in Surin Province, also offering only emergency services. Currently, six medical facilities remain closed: Phusing Hospital in Sisaket Province; Ban Kruat Hospital in Buriram Province; Ta Phraya Hospital; Khok Sung Hospital; and Khlong Hat Hospital. And at Aranyaprathet Hospital in Sa Kaeo Province, while the evacuation of two more inpatients has occurred in Surin Province. However, the situation continues to be closely monitored.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Ekachai further stated that the number of temporary shelters has decreased to 660, housing 80,981 people, including 25,788 vulnerable individuals. Regarding mental health, 1,395 individuals experienced high stress levels, and 277 were at risk of self-harm. Of these, 287 individuals with high stress levels require continued monitoring, and 161 are at risk of self-harm. Concerning proactive public health surveillance, the overall risk of infectious disease outbreaks is moderate to low. Operational teams from various departments will continue to monitor the shelters as appropriate, given the declining trend of outbreaks. Teams will also closely monitor foodborne and waterborne diseases, particularly during the New Year holiday period. Simultaneously, mental health care will be provided for citizens returning home, those with family members who have passed away, and military personnel and their families who sacrificed their lives. Regarding the ceasefire in Sa Kaeo Province, the 72-hour period will expire on December 30th, with plans for evacuation on December 31st. The Sa Kaeo Provincial Public Health Office will provide ambulance services for bedridden patients and has an urgent plan to fully reopen medical services, including outpatients, inpatients, and the emergency room, along with assessing damage to buildings and medical equipment and continuing to provide mental health support. Providing psychological support to those who have lost loved ones and vulnerable groups returning home, monitoring disease outbreaks in border communities for 14 days, and caring for patients with chronic illnesses who run out of medication during migration.