The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok has issued an urgent advisory urging Filipinos to avoid travel to seven Thai provinces amid escalating border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia that have already left at least 32 people dead and over 130 injured.
“Travel by Filipinos to the aforementioned provinces is highly discouraged due to the ongoing situation,” the embassy said Saturday, referring to Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Sa Kaeo, Buri Ram, Chantaburi, and Trat.
The deadly skirmishes erupted early Thursday near the disputed Ta Moan Thom Temple and have since spread to at least six areas along the border. Reports from local media indicate the violence has entered its third day, raising alarm in nearby communities and among foreign nationals.
Filipinos living near the border were strongly advised to heed instructions from local authorities: “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,” the statement added.
“The Filipino community is further encouraged to actively monitor official communication channels for security updates.”
The embassy said it continues to monitor developments and stands ready to provide assistance. Filipinos in affected areas are urged to fill out an online survey to ensure faster coordination: https://tinyurl.com/FilMappingSurveyTHKHBorder.
For emergencies, Filipinos in Thailand may contact Assistance-to-Nationals Hotline: (+66) 81 989 7116 (Line, WhatsApp, and Viber enabled)
LINE: @bangkokpe.consular
Email: 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 in Cambodia, especially in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces, may contact the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh at: (+855) 98 888 771 (Call/SMS/Viber/Telegram/WhatsApp)
Email: phnompenhpe.atn@dfa.gov.ph
Also accomplish a similar survey at https://tinyurl.com/FilMappingSurveyCambodia.
