Bangkok: Bhumtham insists that the evacuation center has not been closed because the situation is still unsafe. Bhumtham insists he has not closed evacuation centers to allow people to return home, as the situation remains unsafe. He reiterated his orders to governors to protect lives and property, and threatened to take action against those who withdrew funds, insisting they had no right to cause problems. He is awaiting details on the compensation, stating it could be less than 8-10 million baht.

According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Acting Prime Minister, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, addressed the news reports of the deaths of over a thousand Cambodian soldiers in recent clashes on the Thai-Cambodian border. He asked whether he had received any reports. He said he heard the news and that he did not report on the matter. He did not know the true number of Cambodian soldiers killed, as victory or defeat does not depend on the number of soldiers killed. He said he respected all combatants on the battlefield and should not make the issue of human deaths a topic.

Regarding rumors of evacuation center closures, Mr. Phumtham insisted that these are untrue, as the military has not yet permitted residents to return to the area. He added that any lapses or mismanagement found will be investigated, regardless of whether they intentionally or unintentionally caused the problem. He emphasized that the situation in the area remains unsafe, and he has ordered provincial governors to take appropriate measures to protect the lives and property of residents. He added that any areas where budgets have not been allocated, as reported, must be addressed.

Similar to the case of a question raised in Parliament by Ms. Thirat Rattanawanich, Deputy Minister of the Interior, Ms. Thirat Rattanawanich questioned the Governor of Ubon Ratchathani Province, who responded that the matter had been resolved. She stated that she did not want to hear anything like that, as there are currently a lot of negative stories, and therefore has ordered the handling of fake news. Therefore, she urged that this matter not be made a problem.

Regarding the compensation, Mr. Phumtham stated that it will be discussed at the Cabinet meeting this morning (August 5th). It remains to be seen whether the amount proposed will be received, and whether it will be increased from what has already been received.

When asked if the compensation would increase to 8-10 million baht, as rumored, Mr. Phumtham replied that this was not entirely true, and that it might be less, especially in the case of the deceased. He added that there were a lot of rumors at the moment.