Banteay Meanchey readies displacement camps for wet season
A refugee camp in Kandal Pagoda in Thmar Pouk district, Banteay Meanchey province. KT/Khem Sovannara
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Synopsis: Provincial authorities race to set up provisional shelters for tens of thousands of evacuees along the border as monsoon approaches.
Cambodian authorities are racing to set up provisional shelters for the displaced along the Thai border before the rainy season strikes.
Tens of thousands of people from areas affected by the Thai military aggression remain unable to return home. Many lost their houses to indiscriminate bombardment and airstrikes, while several homes were illegally occupied by Thai troops.
The displaced are staying in safety centres set up in Buddhist pagodas along the border, particularly in Banteay Meanchey province, where six villages are under Thai military occupation.
The evacuees include over 1,500 families, or nearly 5,700 people, from Boeng Trakuon in Kok Romeat Commune, Thma Puok District, and around 1,200 families from Chhouk Chey and Prey Chan villages in O’Bei Choan Commune, O’Chrov District.
According to Deputy Provincial Governor Hoel Yara, the facilities are expected to be complete before the rainy season or during Khmer New Year, making it easier for displaced residents.
The Cambodian government and provincial authorities are preparing safer and more comfortable shelters to replace the temporary tents at the centres.
Residents welcomed the initiative as a reflection of the government’s concern for their safety and well-being as temperatures rise and the wet season approaches.
“I am grateful that the government is providing provisional shelters that are safer and more comfortable than tents,” said Chom Pisey, a 43-year-old evacuee from Boeng Trakuon.
“It shows the highest level of care, and I trust the authorities to resolve the border crisis caused by Thai military aggression.”
The government’s plan comes as a salve for Chhang Saroeut, 61, whose home was destroyed and land surrounded by Thai troops. The shelters would provide security and stability for displaced families, said a relieved Saroeut.
The government has also formed a task force to assess the needs of affected communities and evaluate damaged infrastructure, including homes, schools, and hospitals.
Secretary of State at the Ministry of Economy and Finance and Working Group Chairman Chan Narith said authorities will prioritise evaluating homes in safety centres to prepare for residents’ eventual return. Areas still under dispute will be assessed and restored only after security is guaranteed.
National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) Secretary-General Kim Virak and Secretary of State at the Social Affairs, Veterans, and Youth Rehabilitation Ministry, Sony Vongviseth, serve as vice-chairmen of the 25-member task force, which includes representatives of ministries and institutions to ensure coordinated efforts across all affected sectors.
NCDM First Vice-President General Kun Kim and Provincial Governor Oum Reatrey also visited the sites designated for shelters, pledging close attention to the welfare of the displaced.
-Khmer Times-
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