Cambodia Unveils Three-Point Relief Plan for Displaced Families in Preah Vihear
AKP Phnom Penh, January 31, 2026 —
Cambodia’s Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet on Saturday announced a comprehensive three-point emergency response to assist hundreds of families displaced by recent Thai troops incursions, pledging rapid demining efforts and infrastructure reconstruction.
During a visit to 540 displaced families at a safety centre in Thbeng Meanchey district, Preah Vihear province, the Prime Minister outlined a strategic roadmap designed to manage the immediate humanitarian crisis and facilitate a long-term return to normalcy.
According to a Premier, the Royal Government’s directive focuses on three primary pillars:
1. For citizens whose home areas are deemed accessible, the Ministries of Defence and Interior and local authorities are coordinating a swift return process. A critical component of this effort involves the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC). CMAC operators are currently sweeping affected residential zones for Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) and remnants of war to ensure total safety before residents are permitted to return.
Furthermore, the Royal Government has established an Ad Hoc Commission for Livelihood and Infrastructure Restoration to manage the economic recovery of communities situated along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
2. For families unable to return home due to ongoing security concerns or unfavourable conditions, the Royal Government is upgrading temporary housing. Led by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, authorities are evaluating current shelters.
The Royal Government is prepared to relocate displaced persons to improved transitional facilities where necessary.
Financial mechanisms are being reviewed to provide "stability solutions" that ensure families can maintain their daily livelihoods until a permanent return is feasible.
3. The conflict has left a trail of damage across public sectors, including schools, health centres, markets, and vital transport links. An official task force is currently conducting a formal damage assessment of roads, bridges, and utility networks (water, electricity, and telecommunications).
The Royal Government confirmed it will mobilise a combination of the national budget and support from international development partners to finance the reconstruction of these essential services as soon as the security situation permits.
The Cambodian leader concluded his visit by expressing gratitude to local authorities, international NGOs, and volunteers for their rapid mobilisation in providing temporary sanctuary and aid to the displaced population during the crisis.



By K. Rithy Reak





