Thai-Cambodia conflict update: Nine hospitals closed, high stress among civilians
Over 54,000 people have been screened for mental health issues, with many receiving urgent care.
Dr Varoth Chotpitayasunodh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Health, provided the latest update on civilian casualties in the Thai-Cambodia border conflict as of July 31.
- Photo: The Nation/ANN
A total of 17 civilian deaths were reported, including 14 directly impacted and 3 indirectly affected.
Among the directly affected individuals, there were 12 seriously injured, 13 moderately injured, and 13 with minor injuries.
Currently, 9 patients remain hospitalised, with 6 in critical condition and 3 with moderate injuries. A total of 21 patients have been discharged after treatment.
- Photo: The Nation/ANN
The conflict has also affected healthcare facilities, with 20 hospitals impacted—9 have completely closed, and 11 have partially suspended services.
Additionally, 139 community health centres have been affected, with 128 fully closed and 11 partially closed. - The Nation/ANN
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Malaysia Sun
2 days ago
- Malaysia Sun
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The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
More livestock in Japan undergo online medical exams due to vet shortage
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The Star
4 days ago
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It poses a serious risk of accidents, particularly among those operating vehicles or machinery. The sweet taste of the syrup may also increase the likelihood of repeated use and addictive behaviours, raising public health concerns. As demand for medicinal syrups has increased—despite strict regulations on their sale in licensed pharmacies—there has been a rise in the illicit production of counterfeit products lacking the active pharmaceutical ingredients declared on their labels. The misuse of these syrups, especially when mixed with kratom tea, poses a significant threat to public health and safety. It also constitutes violations of several laws, including those governing pharmaceuticals and consumer protection. This study plays a vital role in monitoring trends in the misuse of health products and aims to propose suitable systemic solutions at the local level. It is a descriptive research project based on secondary data obtained from government agencies, as well as a review of relevant academic and legal literature. The study analysed confiscated samples of kratom decoctions and medicinal syrups collected by authorities in Health Region 5, which includes Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan. A total of 778 samples were examined between October 2020 and May 2025. Of these, 482 samples (61.95%) were kratom decoctions, 272 samples (34.96%) were medicinal syrups, and 24 samples (3.09%) were syrup-like products falsely labelled as dietary supplements or syrup-based drinks. Among the kratom decoction samples, Diphenhydramine was detected in 123 samples (25.52%), Chlorpheniramine in 99 samples (20.54%), and a combination of both substances in 37 samples (7.68%). Notably, no samples tested positive for codeine or other narcotics. The most commonly used medicinal syrups mixed with kratom decoctions contained either Diphenhydramine (161 samples or 59.19%) or Chlorpheniramine (111 samples or 40.81%). Of these, 264 samples (97.06%) had valid registration numbers. However, 12 of the samples (4.55%) were found to be counterfeit—lacking the listed active ingredients—and 8 samples (2.94%) had been repackaged into unlabelled squeeze bottles, presumably to avoid detection. Arrest records related to kratom decoctions and medicinal syrup misuse in fiscal year 2021 revealed 60 cases involving consumers, with 87 samples seized. At that time, the seized substances were typically stored in aluminium pots or ice buckets, suggesting small-scale, household-level consumption. In fiscal year 2022, enforcement was in a transitional phase due to evolving legislation, resulting in only five samples submitted for testing and no offender data recorded. From fiscal year 2023 onwards, enforcement patterns shifted significantly towards targeting unauthorised sellers. Confiscated items were packaged in transparent plastic bottles—ready for sale—in quantities ranging from 600 millilitres to 1.5 litres. That year, 192 cases involving Thai nationals were recorded, with 602 samples seized, alongside 59 cases involving Myanmar nationals, with 84 samples confiscated. By fiscal year 2024, the issue had spread beyond the previously affected provinces of Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Samut Sakhon. Notably, authorities began to detect more sophisticated products, including those modified for appeal with colour, scent, and flavour—known as 'rainbow shots.' This variant was first identified in Nakhon Chai Si district, Nakhon Pathom province, in fiscal year 2025. The study of seized samples from Health Region 5 between 2021 and 2025 confirmed widespread mixing of medicinal syrups—particularly those containing diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine—with kratom decoctions. The nature of the offence has evolved from individual consumption to increasingly commercialised and complex practices, including product manipulation, counterfeit production, and repackaging to evade detection. These developments highlight the growing challenges of local-level health product regulation. To address the issue effectively, a systemic and proactive approach is needed. This should include strengthened surveillance, improved data sharing across agencies, public risk communication, and greater community engagement. Such measures are vital to mitigate the long-term health risks and ensure sustainable consumer protection. - The Nation/ANN
