Japanese ambassador to Cambodia Ueno Atsushi has detailed how since the outbreak of the border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand, the Government of Japan has provided approximately $17 million in humanitarian assistance.
This support has helped refugees in border areas, returning migrant workers from Thailand and the improvement of livelihoods for people living along the border.
Ueno shared details of the assistance as he addressed the opening ceremony of the Japan Official Development Assistance (ODA) Press Tour 2026, held on the morning of March 23, at the Japanese embassy.
He noted that Cambodia has been facing serious challenges since May 2025 due to the border conflict with Thailand. On behalf of the Government and people of Japan, he expressed his deepest condolences to those who lost their lives and sincere sympathy to all those affected in various ways by the conflict.
He explained that the Japanese government, in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNICEF, provided emergency aid worth $1.8 million to refugees in border areas in August 2025. Since January 2026, Japan has continued to support returning workers from Thailand and vulnerable communities in border regions.
“We have continued to provide support in cooperation with the Royal Government of Cambodia and international organisations across various sectors, including mine action and unexploded ordnance clearance. The total amount of this assistance is approximately $17 million. Japan remains committed to supporting peace and stability in the region, as well as promoting the recovery and development of livelihoods for people in border areas in the future,” he said.
“Japan strongly hopes that relations between the two countries (Cambodia and Thailand) will return to normal as soon as possible through the effective implementation of the ceasefire agreement, maximum restraint and the reduction of tensions through peaceful dialogue. Japan will continue to cooperate with relevant countries to further ease tensions and will maintain its support in various forms,” he added.
