Senate president Hun Sen has accepted a request from frontline soldiers asking for traditional ambok, or flattened rice, as they stand their ground against the Thai military, which has continued firing into Cambodia for the fourth consecutive day since December 7.
In a social media post, Hun Sen conveyed his regards to all units of the armed forces who have been stationed to “valiantly” defend the territory in the fight against what he called “land-invading bandits”.
He also expressed solidarity with the hardships of all the refugees displaced by the Thai aggression. He thanked the philanthropists who contributed materials and funds through the Royal Government, as well as those who distributed aid directly to the armed forces and refugees.
“I saw a request from a soldier on the battlefield saying, ‘Please support us with Ambok rather than instant noodles.’ I find this request reasonable, but I believe the supply of noodles should continue, with Ambok provided as a supplement.
“The new rice harvest is underway; I appeal to philanthropists to help buy paddy to make Ambok, or purchase Ambok from the people to distribute to the troops or refugees,” he said.
Hun Sen advised that packaging be limited to 1kg or 2kg packets for each individual soldier on the front line, noting that this is far more convenient to carry than large sacks.
“Let’s eat new-harvest Ambok to fight the invading enemies,” his message concluded.
