Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet has instructed authorities in all seven provinces along the Thai border to coordinate the movement and support of Cambodian civilians crossing back into the country amid ongoing military clashes.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, Hun Manet called on the National Committee for Disaster Management to work closely with relevant ministries and provincial authorities to provide secure reception areas and emergency shelter, food and basic services for civilians displaced by the fighting.
He further directed the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Health to take immediate action to ensure the welfare and well-being of displaced residents during this difficult time.
Hun Manet emphasized that all relevant ministries, armed forces and border provincial administrations must cooperate in facilitating the border crossings and temporary stays of Cambodian nationals returning from the conflict zone along the Thai-Cambodian frontier.
The Ministry of National Defence, the Royal Cambodian Army and Phnom Penh City Hall were also tasked with coordinating transport for returnees from the Thai-Cambodian border to their home provinces.
The Prime Minister expressed his condolences to the families of Cambodian soldiers and civilians who have lost their lives in the ongoing clashes. He instructed the defence ministry and military units to organise appropriate funeral ceremonies and ensure fallen soldiers are honoured as national heroes.
Since July 24, Thai forces have launched repeated assaults on Cambodian military positions, resulting in ongoing casualties among both soldiers and civilians. Tens of thousands of residents have been evacuated from the affected areas.
In Oddar Meanchey province’s Kok Mon commune, Banteay Ampil district, more than 32,500 people across 26 villages have been relocated to safe zones. In neighbouring Ampil commune, where 29 villages are home to nearly 20,000 people, evacuations are also under way.
Civilians in other frontline areas along the Thai border have similarly been moved to secure locations as part of the nationwide response.
Meanwhile, an estimated 100,000 Cambodians returned from Thailand via the Doung International Border Crossing in Kamrieng district, Battambang province, on July 27 alone. This follows the return of approximately 65,000 people on July 26.
Cambodian nationals have also re-entered the country through other international crossings, including those in Pailin and Koh Kong provinces. However, exact figures from those points have not yet been confirmed by provincial authorities.
