Thailand Estimates Over $397 Million Economic Damage from Cambodia Border Conflict

Thailand has estimated the initial economic damage from a recent five-day border conflict with Cambodia at over 10 billion baht (approximately $308 million), with expectations that the overall impact will be much larger. The government is preparing an initial budget of 25 billion baht to address the damage and stimulate economic recovery through construction and repairs, although more funds may be needed. Relief measures announced include loan repayment deferrals, low-interest loans, refinancing options, fee exemptions from state-owned banks, extended tax filing deadlines, and tax deductions for repair costs on homes and vehicles. Each affected province has been allocated 100 million baht to address local needs, with flexibility for increases if required. Additionally, a Thai academic warned that if the conflict persists for a month or longer, economic losses could exceed 60 billion baht for Thailand and Cambodia combined. These developments underscore the significant financial repercussions and ongoing uncertainty surrounding the border clashes.