Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai chaired a meeting at Trat's city hall with senior government officials on 27/7, including Interior Ministry Secretary Chanin Rungthanakiart, Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Ansit Samphanthara, Trat Governor Nattapong Sanguanjit, and representatives of security agencies.

"I'm here to evaluate the local government's capacity to manage the situation if the conflict escalates," Phumtham said.

Trat, a coastal province in southeastern Thailand, is one of six provinces experiencing clashes with Cambodian forces.

Thailand's acting prime minister meets with government and local officials in Trat province on 27/7. Photo: Nation

Thailand's acting prime minister meets with government and local officials in Trat province on 27/7. Photo: Nation

During the meeting, local officials and the Trat maritime task force briefed Phumtham on the conflict, reporting that clashes between the two sides are ongoing.

Officials stated that 4,754 residents have been evacuated to 16 shelters across three districts in the province. Additional shelters are prepared to accommodate up to 20,000 people if the conflict continues.

Phumtham directed leaders of seven provinces along the Cambodian border to ensure security in areas behind the front lines, allowing the military to focus on areas of direct conflict.

The acting prime minister also confirmed that the government has increased emergency funding to the maximum level for all affected provinces to support impacted communities.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Phumtham addressed a ceasefire proposal by former US President Donald Trump. He emphasized that Thailand would only consider it if Cambodia demonstrated a genuine willingness to de-escalate the situation.

"The Thai government will not agree to a ceasefire if Cambodia doesn't show a real commitment to peace and withdraw its troops from all contested areas," he said.

The Royal Thai Armed Forces' Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defense Command accused Cambodian forces of launching a new attack in the Ban Chamrak area of Trat province on 26/7.

The Royal Thai Navy then launched a counter-offensive called "Trat Pikhat Pairee 1" to "repel Cambodian forces encroaching on three points along the border." This is the first time the navy has announced its involvement in the conflict.

In response, the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense accused Thai forces of attacking Pursat province, which borders Trat.

Vu Hoang (Nation)