A Royal Government spokesman stated on Monday that Cambodia is closely monitoring the welfare of its citizens and students in Middle Eastern conflict zones, while also detailing ongoing humanitarian efforts for thousands of Cambodians displaced by recent Thai border incursions.
In a press briefing at the Office of the Council of Ministers, Spokesman H.E. Pen Bona provided an update on the Royal Government’s response to the two separate crises.
He highlighted the urgent humanitarian aid being mobilised for nearly 3,000 families displaced by the Thai invasion. The families are currently housed in temporary shelters in the Banteay Meanchey province districts of O’Chrov and Thmar Puok.
H.E. Bona announced that Cambodian Red Cross President Samdech Kittiprittpundit Bun Rany Hun Sen decided on Feb. 28 to provide emergency relief to these families, who have been suffering from recent heavy rains. The aid, comprising food, supplies, and cash donated through the Red Cross, is scheduled to be distributed on Mar. 3.
“The Royal Government, led by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, is placing the highest priority on the welfare of fallen soldiers’ families, wounded veterans, frontline troops, and displaced citizens,” he said, adding that over 92 percent of the more than 640,000 people initially displaced have now returned to their homes.
For those unable to return due to ongoing instability, the Royal Government is providing temporary accommodation and support. Authorities are also assessing damage to infrastructure, including health centres, schools, and roads, for future reconstruction.
Simultaneously, the spokesman reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the border issue through the Joint Border Committee (JBC) mechanism, adhering to international law and the 1904-1907 Franco-Siamese treaties and maps.
“Cambodia absolutely does not recognise any alteration of the border line resulting from the use of force,” H.E. Bona stated.
Separately, the spokesman addressed the Royal Government’s deep concern for Cambodian nationals in the Middle East amidst escalating regional conflicts.
H.E. Bona confirmed that 239 Cambodian students are currently studying in Israel – 153 from the Royal University of Agriculture and 86 from the Prek Leap National Institute of Agriculture. A further 27 students are in Kuwait, along with other Cambodian workers and tourists scattered across the region.
The Royal Government has instructed all relevant Cambodian embassies, including those in Turkey and Kuwait, to maintain constant contact with student groups and disseminate safety guidelines.
“Our leaders, including Senate President Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, are closely monitoring the situation,” H.E. Bona said. He noted that Cambodian embassies have issued advisories urging all Cambodians to exercise extreme caution, follow the instructions of local authorities, and have provided emergency contact numbers.
To date, no Cambodians have been reported injured or killed in the ongoing hostilities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation issued a statement on Feb. 28, expressing deep concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East and calling on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further civilian casualties.
