(Preah Vihear): On 31 January 2026k, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet visited displaced residents sheltering at Wat Bak Kam Safety Center in Tbaeng Meanchey district, Preah Vihear province, where 540 families are currently taking refuge.

During the visit, the prime minister expressed deep appreciation to task forces, relevant ministries and institutions, local authorities at all levels, volunteers, philanthropists, national and international organizations, development partners, and all stakeholders for their coordinated efforts in providing safe shelter and essential support to affected families during this difficult period.

In a social media statement, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said the Royal Government has carefully assessed the situation and introduced three key measures addressing the return of displaced families, support for those unable to return, and the restoration of damaged infrastructure following the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict.

First, for displaced people who are able to return to their homes, relevant ministries and institutions, particularly the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Interior, and local authorities, are actively coordinating efforts to facilitate their return as quickly as possible.

Under the coordination of the Mine Action Authority and relevant ministries and institutions, mine clearance operators, especially the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), are working intensively to clear unexploded ordnance to ensure that these areas are sufficiently safe before allowing displaced residents to return.

Alongside facilitating returns, the Royal Government has established a committee responsible for organizing and managing the restoration of livelihoods and infrastructure damaged by the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict, to systematically oversee rehabilitation efforts resulting from this border dispute.

Second, for displaced people who are not yet able to return home due to unfavourable conditions, the Royal Government through the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, provincial administrations, the National Committee for Disaster Management, and other relevant ministries and institutions, is strengthening temporary shelters or, where necessary, relocating temporary shelters to locations with better conditions than at present.

The Royal Government is reviewing and providing appropriate solutions based on actual circumstances to help affected families maintain their daily livelihoods during this challenging period, until they are able to return to their homes.

Third, with regard to damaged local and public infrastructure, such as schools, health centres, referral hospitals, markets, roads, bridges, clean water systems, electricity, and telecommunications networks, specialized task forces are assessing the extent of the damage.

The Royal Government will mobilize national budget resources and seek support from development partners to restore essential infrastructure as quickly as possible, based on actual needs.
=FRESH NEWS