On December 23, 2025, the Thai government took decisive action to support citizens affected by cross-border military activities, unveiling a comprehensive relief package that aims to address both immediate and ongoing hardships. The Cabinet, following recommendations from the Ministry of Interior, approved a substantial budget of 2,335,640,000 baht to provide direct financial assistance to families in seven provinces bordering neighboring countries. This move, which comes after months of mounting pressures on border communities, underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring no one is left behind during these turbulent times.
According to the spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, Siripong Angkasakulkiat, the Cabinet’s resolution specifically targets 467,128 households who have been directly affected by the actions of foreign military forces. The relief plan, as detailed by the InfoQuest news agency, will draw from the fiscal year 2569 (2026) emergency budget, ensuring that funds are available for immediate disbursement. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has been tasked as the primary agency to manage and distribute these funds, working in tandem with the Government Savings Bank to ensure transparent and efficient payments.
“The Cabinet has approved the criteria, conditions, and methods for providing financial assistance to victims affected by the actions of foreign armed forces in 2025, as proposed by the Ministry of Interior,” Siripong announced. He emphasized that the relief is not just a one-off payment, but part of a broader, systematic approach to mitigate the disruption and distress caused to Thai citizens living near the border.
The relief measures are designed with fairness and inclusivity in mind. Households that were forced to evacuate for eight days or more will receive 5,000 baht each, while those displaced for up to seven days will be granted 2,000 baht per household. The goal, as outlined by the Ministry of Interior, is to ensure “just and equitable” support for all affected families, regardless of their specific location within the designated provinces. These provinces—Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, Surin, Buriram, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat—have all seen significant disruptions due to military tensions across the border.
The Cabinet’s decision also included a review and refinement of the eligibility criteria to make sure that aid reaches the right people. To qualify, recipients must be permanent residents of the areas officially declared as emergency disaster zones and must have evacuated to temporary shelters or safe zones as directed by authorities. They are also required to obtain a disaster victim certification from their local administrative organization, in accordance with Section 30 of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2007. Further, their status as disaster victims must be verified by a community leader, village headman, or subdistrict chief, and all information must be cross-checked and confirmed by both district and provincial disaster assistance committees.
This rigorous multi-layered verification process is intended to prevent fraud and ensure that resources are allocated to those genuinely in need. The Cabinet stipulated that all relief payments must be completed within 30 days of the additional budget allocation, a timeline designed to provide swift support while maintaining accountability. As Siripong put it, “The provinces affected must expedite the verification process and complete the relief payments within 30 days from the date of budget allocation.”
The relief package comes at a time when the border provinces are grappling not only with security concerns but also with the broader economic impact of displacement. Over 467,000 vehicles are registered in the affected regions, and the disruption has had a ripple effect on transportation, commerce, and daily life. On the same day as the relief announcement, the Department of Land Transport reported the issuance of 2.3 million new driving licenses nationwide for the year 2568 (2025), a figure that reflects both the country’s growing mobility and the challenges faced by those in border areas. The department’s data, published on December 23, 2025, also highlighted a total revenue of 2,335 million baht collected from license issuance, underscoring the significant administrative and economic activity linked to transportation in Thailand.
While the focus of the government’s relief effort is on those affected by cross-border military actions, the broader context is one of ongoing vigilance and adaptation. The Cabinet’s August 26, 2025, resolution set the groundwork for these measures, and the most recent decision reflects a continuous process of review and adjustment. The Ministry of Interior, in consultation with provincial authorities and local communities, has sought to ensure that the criteria for assistance remain relevant and responsive to the evolving situation on the ground.
“The Ministry of Interior has reviewed the criteria, conditions, and methods for providing financial assistance to victims affected by the actions of foreign armed forces in 2025, to ensure that compensation is fair and standardized across all areas,” Siripong explained. This commitment to equity is evident in the Cabinet’s directive that budget allocations can be distributed across provinces as needed, allowing for flexibility in response to shifting needs.
The relief payments are being processed as general subsidies, a move that allows for greater administrative flexibility and the ability to transfer funds between provinces if required. The DDPM’s partnership with the Government Savings Bank is central to this approach, providing a reliable and accessible channel for disbursing funds directly to affected families. The government’s emphasis on speed and accountability is clear: all payments must be completed within the 30-day window, and provincial authorities are under strict instructions to expedite verification and distribution.
For many families in the border provinces, the relief package offers a lifeline in the face of uncertainty. The disruptions caused by cross-border military actions have forced thousands to leave their homes, seek shelter in unfamiliar surroundings, and grapple with the loss of income and stability. The government’s response, while not a panacea for all the challenges faced by these communities, represents a significant step toward restoring a sense of security and normalcy.
As the year draws to a close, the Thai government’s actions serve as a reminder of the importance of timely and targeted support for those most in need. The relief package for border communities affected by foreign military activity is not just about financial aid—it is about reaffirming the social contract between the state and its citizens, and about ensuring that even in times of crisis, the most vulnerable are not forgotten.
