The government spokesperson clarified to the gas station owner in Kantharalak, one year after a BM-21 rocket struck the site, that the case does not meet the criteria for compensation from the Disaster Relief Fund, considering the principle of avoiding duplicate compensation.
On 25 July 2026, following the complaint submitted by the owner of the Ban Phue branch gas station in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province, at the parliament on 24 July 2026, regarding the request for compensation after a BM-21 rocket hit the gas station and convenience store due to actions by Cambodia on 24 July 2025,
Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, stated that the government understands the distress, damage, and impact on local residents and businesses. The Prime Minister has closely monitored assistance efforts and instructed all agencies to expedite comprehensive, fair, and lawful support for those affected.
The incident caused damage to the gas station and its convenience store, as well as resulting in fatalities and injuries. The government, local agencies, and private sectors promptly collaborated to provide immediate assistance following the event.
According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation's report, the summary of assistance is as follows:
1. The gas station suffered damages estimated at approximately 3.05 million baht, receiving 1 million baht in compensation from Dhipaya Insurance Public Company Limited and 2.05 million baht in support from PTT Public Company Limited. The station has been able to resume operations since 5 September 2025.
2. The convenience store sustained damages estimated at about 14 million baht, receiving 9 million baht in aid from CP All Public Company Limited and resumed service from 1 November 2025.
3. The 7 deceased individuals have been fully assisted with approximately 58 million baht, while the 12 injured persons have each received aid ranging from 100,000 to 800,000 baht, totaling about 4.6 million baht, based on injury severity and agency criteria.
The deputy government spokesperson added that the aid to families of the deceased and injured came from multiple sources, including the Disaster Relief Fund, the Prime Minister’s Office, provincial governor’s contingency funds, local administrative organizations, Social Security Office, Department of Rights and Liberties Protection, and central budget as per the Cabinet resolution on 5 August 2025. Relevant agencies have expedited these disbursements.
Regarding requests for assistance from the Disaster Relief Fund of the Prime Minister’s Office, all applications must be reviewed and approved by the fund’s committee according to its regulations. If damages meet the conditions and criteria, victims will receive prompt aid.
However, upon reviewing the damage to the gas station, the request does not meet the fund’s compensation criteria, as the damage concerns business property already compensated by insurance and support from the parent company. Therefore, the decision must consider the principle of avoiding duplicate compensation for the same damage to ensure proper and fair use of public funds for all victims.
“The government understands and sympathizes with all affected individuals, recognizing that the damage impacts not only financial aspects but also lives, families, livelihoods, and community feelings. Hence, the government has mobilized assistance from all sectors to help victims and businesses resume their lives and occupations as quickly as possible. We also affirm that every claim will be carefully reviewed and considered under uniform criteria with the public’s best interest as the priority.”