PH issues advisory vs. travel to 7 Thai border provinces

By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

Latest local reports said the death toll from both sides has already reached 32, with more than 130 injured, as of July 26 (Pexels Photo)

MANILA – The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok advised Filipinos against traveling to seven Thai provinces – Ubon Ratchatani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Sa Kaeo, Buri Ram, Chantaburi, and Trat – as the deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia entered their third day.

“Travel by Filipinos to the aforementioned provinces is highly discouraged due to the ongoing situation,” the embassy said in a statement on Saturday.

“The Philippine Embassy in Thailand stands ready to assist all Filipinos in need and will continue to monitor the situation in Thailand.”

Filipinos residing in the border areas, meanwhile, were told to “earnestly follow the advice, including any evacuation orders, from local public safety and community officials, their employers, and other pertinent authorities in the affected areas.”

“All overseas Filipinos in areas near the border are also enjoined to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant, take steps to ensure their personal safety, and report their whereabouts to the Philippine Embassy,” it said.

“The Filipino community is further encouraged to actively monitor official communication channels for security updates.”

The fighting between Thailand and Cambodia broke out early Thursday near the disputed Ta Moan Thom Temple, which eventually spread to at least six areas along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Latest local reports said the death toll from both sides has already reached 32, with more than 130 injured, as of July 26

For emergencies, Filipinos in Thailand may reach the embassy’s Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) hotline at (+66) 81 989 7116 (WhatsApp and Viber enabled), LINE account @bangkokpe.consular, or via email at bangkokpe.consular@dfa.gov.ph.

The Migrant Workers Office ATN hotline may be reached at (+66) 83 137 6167 (LINE, WhatsApp, and Viber enabled).

Filipinos residing in the border provinces were also urged to accomplish a survey for faster coordination with the embassy: https://tinyurl.com/FilMappingSurveyTHKHBorder.

Affected Filipinos in Cambodia, meanwhile, may reach the embassy at +855 98 888 771 (Call/SMS/Viber/Telegram/WhatsApp) or via email at phnompenhpe.atn@dfa.gov.ph.

Filipinos residing in the border provinces of Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear in Cambodia were, likewise, told to accomplish a similar survey at https://tinyurl.com/FilMappingSurveyCambodia.