On Monday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H.E. Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha, along with his spouse and other high-ranking government officials, traveled to Banteay Meanchey province.
Their mission was to deliver essential humanitarian assistance to more than 800 families who were forced to leave their homes due to recent violence near the Cambodian-Thai border.
Meeting the Affected Community
The officials met with the affected families at a temporary safety center set up at Chan Sy Samaky Ratanaram pagoda in O’Chrov district.
These families sought refuge after a shooting incident on November 12, 2025. During the incident, Thai soldiers allegedly opened fire on Cambodian civilians in Prey Chan village, O’Beichoan commune, sadly resulting in one death and three injuries.
A Message of Support and Confidence
Speaking to the displaced residents, Deputy Prime Minister Sokha asked them to “be patient, listen to the instructions from local authorities, and keep their faith” in the Royal Government. He assured them that the government is working hard to find a peaceful solution to the border issues with Thailand and bring stability back to the area.
He also praised the quick and effective response of the provincial and district authorities. These local teams immediately arranged safe shelters, ensured the safety of the public, and sent out medical teams to provide continuous health checks and services for everyone who was evacuated.
Gratitude from the Families
Representatives of the displaced families shared their deep gratitude for the quick shelter and essential supplies provided by the government, local officials, and generous donors.
One person who had been evacuated was quoted as saying, “We are truly grateful to the Royal Government and the provincial authorities for treating us as their own families. Without this support, we don’t know how we would survive, because we fled with nothing.“
The families are currently staying at the pagoda, their temporary safe haven, while they wait for the border tensions to ease so they can safely return home and resume their normal lives.
Supplies Delivered
The comprehensive aid package, which was personally delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Sokha and his spouse, was substantial and included:
- Financial Aid: 20 million Riel (about US$5,000).
- Food Supplies: 5 tonnes of rice, along with large quantities of instant noodles, rice noodles, canned fish, eggs, canned pork, canned chicken, and garlic.
- Shelter and Comfort: 300 tents and 2,000 blankets.
- Drinks and Essentials: 50 cases of Cambodia-brand drinking water, other drinks, and various daily necessities.