In the spirit of solidarity and humanitarianism, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) issued a directive on the morning of December 10 aimed at easing the burden on soldiers directly engaged in frontline combat with Thailand, as well as civilians affected by the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict.
Under the directive, 80 million riel (approximately $20,000) in loans from financial institutions will be cancelled for fallen soldiers, and 10 million riel for disabled soldiers.
In response calls from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, and in the spirit of unity and humanitarianism, and in line with government policy to ease the burden on frontline soldiers and affected civilians, the NBC issued several measures.
It has called for an exemption on all fees and penalties related to credit from today until March 31, 2026. Interest payments and principal repayments are also on hold for the same time period. Financial institutions must not capitalise interest on the principal.
These exemptions apply to all frontline military personnel who are engaged in combat.
The directive also orders loan cancellations of up to 10 million riel (about $2,500) for soldiers who are disabled while serving on the battlefield, as well as cancellations of up to 80 million riel (about $20,000) for clients or co-borrowers who are killed while defending the Kingdom.
Furthermore, the NBC requires banking and financial institutions to continue restructuring loans for other affected clients in line with standard regulations.
“We encourage banking and financial institutions to provide additional special concessions within their capacity, to civilians affected by the border conflict and to soldiers directly engaged in frontline combat,” it added.
