The budget committee monitored the budget and discussed compensation for the Ban Phue gas station. The owner emphasized that she is Thai, not a foreigner. Meanwhile, MP 'Kung Fu' urged the government to amend regulations and clearly state whether compensation will be paid, warning against leaving victims waiting in hopeful uncertainty.
On 27 Aug 2026 GMT+7, Rakchanok Srinok, party-list MP from the Prachachon Party and chair of the House of Representatives committee on budget study and monitoring, revealed after a meeting that the committee reviewed assistance for damages caused by clashes at the Ban Phue gas station in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province. The gas station owner, Kamonrat Pholsatlerd, provided explanations, and relevant agencies including the Sisaket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office and the Prime Minister's Office were invited to provide information.
Rakchanok stated that according to explanations from the Sisaket DPMO, current Ministry of Finance regulations mainly provide assistance to injured persons and fatalities but lack clear criteria for property damage of this nature, whether under provincial budgets or funds managed by the Prime Minister's Office.
However, since the Ban Phue gas station case is a unique incident directly affected by the border situation, it is considered appropriate for relevant agencies to explore ways to assist. This may also require reviewing or revising criteria to better support citizens and business operators suffering similar damages in the future.
Meanwhile, Kamonrat explained that the damage resulted from an explosion originating from the border conflict, causing some insurance conditions not to fully cover the losses. She received humanitarian insurance coverage amounting to 1 million baht and some private insurance, but has yet to receive any state compensation.
The gas station owner added that government agencies had previously communicated and indicated they would provide assistance. She now wants the government to give a clear answer on whether compensation will be paid, as those affected have borne the burden and waited a long time without clarity.
“I hold a Thai national ID card; I am Thai, not a foreigner, and I did not bring explosives to my own gas station. The incident resulted from the border conflict and government management. Therefore, regardless of which government is in power, I ask that assistance continues. If the government will help or not, please provide an official letter so I do not have to wait endlessly without answers,” Kamonrat said.
Wassawat Puangphornsi, party-list MP from the Thai Ruam Palang Party and recipient of the affected parties' petition, said the problem shows that current government regulations do not cover damages from border situations like this and urgently need to be revised to keep pace with circumstances.
“Everyone now knows that this gas station has received zero compensation from the government. What the state must do is promptly clarify whether it will pay or not. If eligible, compensation should proceed quickly; if regulations are lacking, they must be fixed. Citizens should not be left waiting with hope but no official response,” Wassawat said.
The committee will continue to follow up on this matter to encourage relevant agencies to find assistance measures and provide clarity to those affected, as well as consider revising compensation criteria to address damages from unrest or border situations that may occur in the future.