Pinoys evacuated from Thai-Cambodia border area

A total of 126 Filipinos residing near the disputed border between Thailand and Cambodia have been evacuated due to the ongoing conflict, Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Millicent Cruz-Paredes confirmed Tuesday.

“There was a mandatory evacuation in those communities living on the border between Thailand and Cambodia. As of the latest count, there are 126 Filipinos included among those who were evacuated,” the envoy said during a television interview.

Cruz-Paredes assured that the evacuees are in good physical condition and were moved out early, avoiding being caught in the fighting. They are currently staying in government facilities, private sector establishments, or with relatives and friends.

“They are not in danger, they were not caught in the conflict, they were evacuated early. I am pleased to report that no Filipino was hurt or trapped; all of them are in good condition,” she said.

The ambassador estimated that roughly 40,000 Filipinos live in Thailand, most working as teachers. While the majority are located in cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket, she noted that approximately 356 Filipinos reside in the seven provinces bordering Cambodia.

The conflict stems from a long-running dispute over the colonial-era demarcation of the two countries’ 500-mile shared border. The fighting has reportedly left at least 25 soldiers and civilians dead and displaced over half a million people on both sides.

Earlier Tuesday, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow disclosed there was no space for diplomacy in the current conflict and that any peace deal “must come from Cambodians.”