More than 3,000 of the Cambodian families displaced by the ongoing Cambodia–Thailand border clashes have begun receiving emergency cash assistance, underscoring the prolonged humanitarian crisis and the slow path toward recovery for affected communities.
On January 15, financial assistance distribution started for 3,050 displaced families living in temporary camps across Preah Vihear, Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey and Banteay Meanchey provinces.
“This support is designed to help families meet urgent needs such as food, shelter and essential supplies, while restoring dignity and stability during times of crisis,” according to the Australian embassy to Cambodia.
The distribution, at Chong Kal Thmey camp in Oddar Meanchey, reached 1,519 families and was attended by Australian ambassador to Cambodia Derek Yip, Oxfam in Cambodia national director Sophoan Phean, Oddar Meanchey provincial governor Chanyada Mean and local partners.
The embassy described the presence of senior representatives as reflecting the scale of need and the importance of coordinated humanitarian action.
Governor Chanyada said the assistance would bring immediate relief to families who have exhausted their resources after weeks of displacement.
He also used the occasion to urge international partners to help ensure stability returns to the border areas.
“We are grateful for the support from Australia and Oxfam. This assistance will bring immediate relief to families in our province and shows the importance of international cooperation in humanitarian response,” he said, adding that a permanent ceasefire is critical for displaced people to return home safely.
Yip said Australia had stepped up its support in response to the significant challenges facing civilians affected by the conflict.
“Australia has been a steadfast and trusted partner for Cambodia for decades,” he said.
“The challenges facing Cambodian civilians displaced by the conflict are significant, and Australia has stepped up to provide urgent assistance, including clean drinking water, food, shelter, sanitation and financial support, to help families meet their immediate needs,” he added.
He reiterated Australia’s desire for the ceasefire to be maintained and for a lasting peace that would allow displaced communities to rebuild their lives.
Oxfam’s Phean said the latest distribution marked the first response under new Australian government funding but highlighted that humanitarian needs remain acute.
“This is already Oxfam’s sixth humanitarian intervention since July 2025,” she said.
“The hardship faced by displaced families remains immense, and we need collective efforts to ensure vulnerable communities receive sustained support and the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity,” she added.
The cash assistance forms part of Australia’s $250,000 humanitarian support package, delivered through Oxfam in Cambodia.
In addition to financial aid, the funding will support access to clean water and sanitation, food supplies and emergency shelter for displaced communities.
Despite the latest assistance, humanitarian organisations warn that displacement could persist if security conditions along the border do not improve.
For families still living in crowded camps, the cash support offers temporary relief — but not a solution — as uncertainty continues to define daily life.
