In a briefing on the clashes on the evening of 17 Dec, the Army clarified the meaning of "eliminate completely" while reporting that Cambodian shells have fallen on Thai homes at 105 locations. Forces have been deployed to protect over 1,100 shelter centers, caring for nearly 400,000 displaced people. So far, 31 Border Patrol Police have been injured.
At 16:00 on 17 December 2025 GMT+7, at the joint press center for the Thailand-Cambodia situation at Channel 5, Mr. Naretcha Kosasivilai, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration, explained the Ministry of Interior’s mission through the department in ensuring the safety of people in the rear areas and shelter centers along the border. He confirmed that over 2,000 volunteers from the Territorial Defense Volunteers have been deployed to coordinate with the military and care for people at subdistrict and village levels. For border villages, Village Security Volunteers have been assigned to protect the people, assist in moving them to safe zones, and safeguard homes, assets, and livestock, with a total force exceeding 40,000 personnel across seven provinces, sufficient to cover all areas, assuring residents that their property is fully protected.
Meanwhile, in the inner areas hosting shelter centers, the Department of Provincial Administration has deployed Civil Defense Volunteers and officials from various agencies to closely manage residents’ welfare. Currently, 1,124 shelter centers have been established to accommodate approximately 400,000 people, emphasizing readiness in food, accommodation, drinking water, and mental health care. Recreational activities such as exercise to relieve stress and mental health support by medical teams have also been implemented.
The Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration emphasized that all residents are now in safe areas and urged cooperation to wait for official announcements before returning home. In the villages, sufficient forces have been assigned to protect property, with government funding support provided through advance government funds of 100 million baht per province to cover expenses, compensation, and appropriate duties of officials.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Siriwat Deepo, Deputy Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, presented an overview of the Border Patrol Police’s operations, stating that since the beginning of the incident, a total of 31 Border Patrol Police officers have been injured. The National Police Chief personally visited to encourage them and emphasized providing the best medical care and welfare. He also ordered the chief medical officer to send a medical team to the Sappasitthiprasong Hospital to coordinate treatment of Border Patrol Police still hospitalized and ensured full provision of protective equipment for frontline personnel.
Regarding public order in the seven border provinces, four criminal cases affecting civilians have been recorded, mostly thefts in religious sites and homes vacated by evacuees. The stolen property was of low value and cases are under legal proceedings. Authorities have also checked security suspects based on citizen tips, including foreigners and migrant workers in various areas. Initial investigations have found no links to espionage or security threats.
Rear Adm. Surasan Kongsiri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, reported that in Trat Province, the Trat Marine Task Force has counterattacked Cambodia in self-defense. Recently, the navy successfully defended and regained control of three houses in the Nong Ree area, confirmed by the waving Thai flag.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Kanyanat Pornnipatkul, assistant spokesperson of the Army, described the impact on civilians across all border provinces from BM 21 rockets, grenade launchers, and attack drones, which damaged homes and caused civilian deaths. Additionally, Phanom Dong Rak Hospital in Surin Province was affected, necessitating evacuation of patients to bunkers for safety. Livestock areas have also been impacted.
The Army, together with Village Security Volunteers and local security agencies, conducted initial damage assessments of shell impacts. Starting with the First Army Area in Ta Phraya District with 4 sites and Khok Sung District with 9 sites, totaling 13 locations. In the Second Army Area covering Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, 92 sites were affected. In total across both army areas, there are 105 impact points, 27 damaged houses, one civilian death, damage to one medical facility, four religious sites, and one educational institution.
The Army condemns Cambodia’s actions as violations of human rights and international norms. All evidence will be compiled and submitted to relevant parties to pursue action at international forums.
Lt. Col. Richcha Suksuwanont, deputy Army spokesperson, explained the Army Chief of Staff’s reference to “eliminate completely,” affirming that current Thai military operations are responses to Cambodia’s initial attacks, necessitating self-defense under international law. Lessons from fighting in July revealed heavy Thai casualties and impact on civilians, despite efforts to defend and restrain. This time, the Army commits to more effective measures to prevent repeat losses.
/ “Eliminate completely” means neutralizing Cambodia’s weapon capabilities, especially those able to cause widespread damage, to prevent further attacks on Thailand. As long as weapons remain, ongoing attack risks persist. Latest reports from the Eastern Task Force in Sa Kaeo Province indicate Cambodia fired over 100 rounds recently, evidencing continued threats requiring appropriate protective measures.
Dr. Somchuan Rattanamangklanon, Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, announced the establishment of a special command center to assist livestock disaster victims. The latest assessment covers seven provinces and 28 districts, with over 6.5 million registered animals. So far, 173 animals have died, 915 evacuated to safe zones, and 70 mobile veterinary teams across seven provinces have treated 18,734 animals. During the emergency, the department prioritizes animal feed supply, collaborating with the Veterans Organization and private partners to continuously provide supplies. To date, 119,400 kilograms of grass and feed have been delivered across the seven provinces, with reserves exceeding 850,160 kilograms.
The Director-General added that the department has compensation measures for farmers whose livestock have died or gone missing under the Ministry of Finance’s 2021 regulations. For example, cattle receive compensation from 13,000 to 35,000 baht per head, up to five heads per farmer; buffaloes receive 15,000 to 39,000 baht per head, also up to five heads. Compensation depends on animal age. If damage exceeds set thresholds, the department will propose additional assistance to relevant committees and the Cabinet. Affected farmers or owners can request help via the department’s hotline or the DLD 4.0 application 24/7.