The Cabinet agreed today to pay 10 million baht in compensation to the families of each of the Thai soldiers killed during the five days of fierce fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces along their common border.
Compensation of 8 million baht will also be paid to the families of each of the 14 Thai civilians killed by Cambodian artillery and rocket attacks, according to Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
Fifteen soldiers were killed and 192 others were injured, while 14 civilians died and 12 sustained serious injuries.
After the Cabinet meeting today, he told the media that Thailand had just weathered two important challenges, which have impacted Thai national security and the economy, namely the border dispute with Cambodia and the tariff imposed on Thai goods imported into the US.
Regarding the first challenge, Phumtham claimed that Thailand exercised restraint and patience in the face of continuous provocative acts and the spread of fake news about Thailand by Cambodia since February.
In the end, he said, Thailand decided to retaliate, resulting in lives being lost on both sides until a ceasefire agreement was reached.
On the tariff issue, Phumtham hailed the success of the Thai negotiating team in convincing the US to reduce the rate, from 36% to 19%, saying that the lower rate will not just mean that Thai products remain competitive in the global market, but it will also provide an opportunity for Thailand to gain access to new markets and to expand its economy.
A lesson learned from the two challenges is that it is necessary for all Thais to be united to overcome such obstacles, said Phumtham.
