Ministry of Public Health Relocates Patients Amid Thai-Cambodian Border Clash

Brickinfo News Agency – The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has confirmed the relocation of patients from two hospitals, Phanom Dong Rak Hospital and Kap Choeng Hospital, located near the Thai-Cambodian border, following recent clashes. The move is a precautionary measure to ensure patient safety and facilitate emergency response efforts. Concurrently, the MOPH is preparing for a PHEOC (Public Health Emergency Operations Center) meeting to address both the border situation and potential flooding.

Somsak Thepsutin, Minister of Public Health, stated on July 24, 2025, during an interview at the Public Health Social Service System Development Academic Conference 2025 in Nonthaburi, that the ministry has activated its emergency preparedness protocols. Phanom Dong Rak Hospital, a 30-bed facility, saw 19 patients transferred to other hospitals and 19 discharged. Kap Choeng Hospital, with 60 beds, relocated 56 patients. The Surin Provincial Public Health Office has also escalated its emergency status to Level 2. Minister Somsak indicated he plans to visit the affected areas this week to support the local medical teams. A PHEOC meeting is scheduled for this afternoon at the ministry to coordinate responses to both the border conflict and anticipated flooding.

Furthermore, Minister Somsak has directed the deployment of MCATT (Mobile Crisis Assistance and Response Team) units to provide psychological support and mental health screening to residents who may be experiencing stress and anxiety due to the conflict. Walk-in and online counseling centers will also be established. The minister emphasized the importance of appropriate personnel management, collaboration with security agencies for evacuation assistance and management of evacuation centers, ensuring the safety of the public. He also stressed the need to monitor at-risk groups, provide medication to chronic patients, maintain sufficient medical supply reserves, and prepare for the transfer of injured individuals.