Hun Manet: Cambodia May Not Be Rich, but We Help Those in Need
Hun Manet: Cambodia May Not Be Rich, but We Help Those in Need
PURSAT, November 5, 2026 — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has described the country’s assistance to passengers aboard the cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey as an expression of Cambodia’s humanitarian values and warm hospitality, saying that although Cambodia is not a wealthy nation, it is willing to help people facing difficulties.
Speaking at an event to distribute rice seeds and food supplies to residents affected by flash floods in Pursat province on November 5, Hun Manet said Cambodia had allowed the vessel to dock after its operator cited financial difficulties caused by rising fuel prices.
He stressed that Cambodia had not only permitted more than 200 foreign passengers to come ashore but had also welcomed them warmly without expecting anything in return.
“Cambodia is not a wealthy country, but when people face difficulties, we help and find solutions,” Hun Manet said.
The Prime Minister said that humanitarian considerations should take priority when people are in distress, regardless of other economic or political concerns.
He also recalled Cambodia’s decision during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow the cruise ship Westerdam to dock in the country in February 2020 after it had been turned away from several other ports.
Hun Manet said Cambodia’s own history of displacement had shaped its willingness to assist people in need, noting that Cambodians had also experienced hardship and depended on the hospitality of others.
He added that Cambodia had allowed passengers to remain aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey without imposing a fixed departure deadline. Around 200 elderly passengers were also permitted to leave the vessel and rest at hotels during their stay.
The Prime Minister said the Minister of Tourism had travelled to welcome the visitors, highlighting the government’s efforts to make their stay as comfortable as possible.
The Villa Vie Odyssey departed Cambodia safely on the night of November 3, entering November 4, after being stranded in the country for more than a week.
During their stay, international passengers, crew members and other staff expressed appreciation for Cambodia’s assistance, praising the humanitarian response and the friendliness of the Cambodian people.
