Prime Minister Hun Manet meets displaced families in Preah Vihear

Prime Minister Hun Manet meets displaced families in Preah Vihear

#National

Prime Minister Hun Manet on Saturday visited displaced families taking shelter at Wat Bak Kam Safety Centre in Tbeng Meanchey district, Preah Vihear province, where 540 families have temporarily relocated amid ongoing security concerns linked to the Cambodia–Thailand border situation.

In a social media statement released today, the Prime Minister said the visit was aimed at checking on the wellbeing of affected citizens and reaffirming the Royal Government’s commitment to ensuring their safety, livelihoods and long-term recovery.

Mr Hun Manet expressed gratitude to relevant ministries, local authorities at all levels, volunteers, donors, national and international organisations, and development partners for their coordinated efforts in establishing safe shelters and providing essential support to displaced residents during what he described as a difficult period.

“The Royal Government has paid close attention to the impacts faced by our people and has introduced three key measures to address the needs of displaced citizens — those who can return home, those who cannot yet return, and the restoration of damaged infrastructure,” the Prime Minister said.

For displaced families who are able to return to their homes, Mr Hun Manet said relevant ministries — particularly the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Interior and local authorities — are working to facilitate a swift and safe return.

He noted that under the coordination of the Cambodian Mine Action Authority and relevant institutions, mine action operators, especially the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), are actively clearing unexploded ordnance to ensure affected areas are safe before residents are allowed to return.

“In parallel, the government has established a special committee to organise and manage the restoration of livelihoods and infrastructure damaged by the Cambodia–Thailand border clashes ” he said.

For families who are not yet able to return due to unfavourable conditions, the Prime Minister said the government, through the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, provincial administrations and the National Committee for Disaster Management, is strengthening temporary shelters.

Where necessary, authorities are also considering relocating displaced families to more suitable locations. Mr Hun Manet said appropriate solutions are being reviewed based on real conditions to help affected families maintain daily livelihoods until the can safely return home.

Addressing damage to public and community infrastructure — including schools, health centres, referral hospitals, markets, roads, bridges, clean water systems, electricity and telecommunications networks — Hun Manet said assessment teams are currently evaluating losses.

The Royal Government, he added, will mobilise both national budget resources and funding from development partners to restore damaged infrastructure as quickly as possible, in line with on-the-ground realities.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that maintaining peace, protecting civilians and ensuring a swift recovery for affected communities remain top priorities of the government.

-Khmer Times-