Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Pichai Chunhavajira, said today that the country is expediting the assessment of the economic impact from the recent border clash with Cambodia.

Preliminary estimates indicate Thailand incurred losses of 10 billion baht (approximately USD 307 million) during the five days of conflict. This figure encompasses evacuation costs and property damage, but doesn't include the impact on trade.

Fire at a gas station in Sisaket province, Thailand after the July 24 attack. Photo: *AFP*

The Thai government currently has 25 billion baht (approximately USD 768 million) remaining in its economic stimulus package, which could be used to address the aftermath of the border clash. However, Pichai warned that this amount may be insufficient and additional funds from other budget sources might be necessary.

"We need substantial funding to repair and rebuild homes after the border clash. Immediate funding will come from the budget, and any supplemental loans must align with the budget plan," he said.

Experts suggest that one of the factors motivating both Cambodia and Thailand to reach a ceasefire agreement was the significant economic toll that would have resulted from a prolonged conflict.

Dr. Aat Pisanwanich, director of the International Trade Studies Center at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), estimated on 28/7 that if the conflict lasted a month, Thailand would lose nearly USD 1.4 billion, equivalent to about 0.25% of its GDP, while Cambodia could lose nearly USD 473 million, about 1.1% of its GDP.

Cambodia has not yet released its estimated losses from the five days of fighting.

Location of the Ta Moan Thom temple and other disputed temples between Cambodia and Thailand. Graphic: *CNA*

The Cambodia-Thailand border clash erupted near the Ta Moan Thom temple on the morning of 24/7 and subsequently spread to other areas along the border.

This was the most serious confrontation between the two neighboring countries in over 10 years, resulting in a total of 38 fatalities: 25 in Thailand and 13 in Cambodia. Over 138,000 people were evacuated from the border area in Thailand, while approximately 140,000 people fled their homes in Cambodia.

Cambodia and Thailand reached an immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement on 28/7 after negotiations in Malaysia. Leaders from Thailand's Military Regions 1 and 2, and Cambodia's Military Regions 4 and 5, also participated in an informal meeting this morning as previously agreed.

Nguyen Tien (*Reuters, Thai Post, AP*)