Thailand suffered more than $300m in damaged property and evacuation costs during its border war with Cambodia, Reuters reports.
Five days of shelling and bombing killed some 33 people and displaced tens of thousands. Both sides have now agreed to a ceasefire.
The figure was given by Pichai Chunhavajira, Thailand’s finance minister. It is likely that this initial estimate will increase as more is known of the effects of the conflict and the disruption to trade is factored in.
Many of the casualties on the Thai side were civilians in villages hit by rockets, according to Thailand’s army. Cambodia said 13 people were killed, including eight civilians.
The government is planning to make some $770m available in reconstruction funds.
Pichai said: “I have to gather the budget for this as it will also stimulate the economy because there will be construction, house repairs and much more.
“It might not be enough and we may need to seek more,” he added.
In a separate statement, Pichai said the finance ministry had announced relief measures to assist people and businesses affected by the border conflict.
State-owned banks are offering the deferral of loan repayment as well as low-interest loans, refinancing options, and fee exemptions to support recovery efforts, he said.
Other relief measures include extending the deadlines for tax returns and payments to September, and tax deductions for repair costs — up to $3,000 for homes and $1,000 for vehicles.
The government has also allocated $300,000 to affected provinces to meet local needs, which can be increased if necessary, he said.
Cambodia and Thailand have a long history of disputes along their border, including armed clashes in 2008 and 2011.
The latest war had been brewing since May, when a Cambodian soldier was killed by Thai soldiers. Thailand imposed restrictions on citizens and tourists crossing the border and Cambodia banned some imports from Thailand, including fruits, power and internet services.
The situation escalated last week after a Thai soldier lost his leg in a landmine explosion. Thailand closed some of its border crossings with Cambodia, expelled the Cambodian ambassador and recalled its own.
Both sides exchanged gunfire early last Thursday, with each claiming the other had triggered the conflict.
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