AKP Phnom Penh, November 17, 2025 --

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, H.E. Abhisantibindit Sar Sokha, together with his spouse and senior ministry officials, visited Banteay Meanchey province on Monday to provide humanitarian assistance to over 800 families who have been displaced by recent violence along the Cambodian-Thai border.

The delegation met with the affected communities at the temporary safety centre established at Chan Sy Samaky Ratanaram pagoda in O’Chrov district. 

These families sought refuge following the shooting incident on Nov. 12, 2025, in which Thai soldiers allegedly opened fire on Cambodian civilians in Prey Chan village, O’Beichoan commune, resulting in one fatality and three injuries.

Addressing the displaced residents, Deputy Prime Minister Sokha urged them to "remain patient, follow instructions issued by authorities, and maintain confidence" in the Royal Government’s ongoing efforts to peacefully resolve the border issues with Thailand and restore stability to the area.

He also commended the swift and efficient response of the provincial and district authorities, who quickly arranged secure shelter, ensured safety and public order, and deployed medical teams to provide continuous health services and checks for the evacuees.

Representatives of the displaced families expressed deep appreciation for the immediate shelter and essential supplies provided by the Royal Government, local authorities, and donors.

“We are truly grateful to the Royal Government and the provincial authorities for treating us as their own families," one evacuee was quoted as saying. "Without this support, we don’t know how we would survive, because we fled with nothing.

Chan Sy Samaky Ratanaram pagoda is serving as a temporary haven while the families await the easing of border tensions so they can safely return to their homes and resume their lives.

The comprehensive humanitarian assistance package personally delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Sokha and his spouse included 20 million Riel (approx. US$5,000); 5 tonnes of rice, 25 cases of instant noodles, 25 cases of rice noodles, 45 cases of canned fish, 100 kilogrammes of garlic, 35 cases of eggs, 35 cases of canned pork, and 20 cases of canned chicken; 300 tents and 2,000 blankets; 50 cases of Cambodia-brand drinking water, as well as other daily necessities and a large quantity of beverages.

By K. Rithy Reak