Bangkok: The Cabinet has approved a substantial budget of 433.5 million baht aimed at bolstering security along the Thai-Cambodian border, with a focus on the construction of bunkers, broadcasting towers, and improvements to communication and early warning systems.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, announced the Cabinet's decision to allocate 433,519,268 baht from the central budget's emergency reserve fund for fiscal year 2026. The funds are designated for the Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior, to manage and protect rear-areas in the border provinces, enhancing security for citizens and officials and improving communication and early warning systems.
Ms. Lalida detailed that the budget will fund three urgent activities: the construction of 1,669 bunkers and shelters costing 361,021,218 baht, the erection of 143 village broadcasting towers totaling 22,880,000 baht, and the upgrading of a digital radio communication system across seven provinces along the Thai-Cambodian border, amounting to 49,618,050 baht.
The primary goal is to create safe zones for citizens in conflict scenarios and ensure that government information and warnings are rapidly communicated to border areas, especially during emergencies. The project supports local administration operations, Volunteer Defense Corps members, and village security teams, who are crucial in maintaining order and protecting citizens and property when evacuation is necessary.
Previously, a broader budget framework of 493,819,268 baht was considered, which included the procurement of 1,675 shotguns for village security units. However, due to ongoing review processes, the Ministry of Interior proposed advancing the three most urgent activities. Thus, the current approved budget stands at 433.52 million baht.
Ms. Lalida emphasized that the project ensures preparedness in border areas concerning shelters, information systems, and inter-agency communication. It aims to enhance the response to security situations and address border issues such as illegal immigration, smuggling, and transnational crime. The government prioritizes the safety of border residents, focusing on practical implementations like shelters and communication systems to provide timely warnings and assistance in emergencies.