Hun Manet sets out measures for civilians displaced by border conflict

Hun Manet sets out measures for civilians displaced by border conflict

PREAH VIHEAR, Jan. 31, 2026 — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Saturday announced three key measures to address the needs of civilians displaced by recent border tensions, including facilitating safe returns, supporting those unable to go home, and restoring damaged infrastructure.

Hun Manet made the remarks during a visit to a safety shelter at Wat Bak Kam in Preah Vihear province, where about 540 displaced families are temporarily housed. He thanked government agencies, local authorities, volunteers, donors, and national and international organisations for providing shelter and humanitarian assistance.

The prime minister said the first measure focuses on displaced families who can safely return home. Relevant ministries and local authorities are coordinating efforts to enable returns as soon as possible, while mine-clearance teams — including the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) — are clearing unexploded ordnance to ensure safety before residents are allowed back.

He added that the government has established a special committee to oversee the restoration of livelihoods and infrastructure damaged by the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict.

The second measure targets families who remain unable to return home due to ongoing security concerns. Hun Manet said the government is strengthening temporary shelters and, if necessary, relocating families to safer locations, while providing support to help them maintain daily livelihoods until conditions improve.

The third measure involves assessing and repairing damaged public and local infrastructure, including schools, health centres, hospitals, markets, roads, bridges, water supply systems, electricity and telecommunications networks. Hun Manet said reconstruction will be financed through both national resources and support from development partners, with work to proceed as quickly as conditions allow.