Prime Minister Hun Manet has praised the “brave, heroic” actions of the Cambodian armed forces and pay condolences to those who have been killed by Thai forces.
“I commend the brave and heroic actions of our armed forces and national police, who are actively engaged in operations to protect our territorial integrity,” he said via social media, today, July 27.
On July 26, authorities claimed that five Cambodian soldiers had been killed and 21 injured, while 8 civilians died and 50 were injured, since the conflict began. On the same day, local media reported that almost 10,000 migrant workers had returned from Thailand through the Poipet border checkpoint.
“At the same time, I would like to express my condolences for the heroic Cambodian soldiers and civilians who lost their lives due to this conflict. The Royal Government, the Ministry of National Defence, various military units, and national and sub-national leaders are collaborating to organise funeral ceremonies for the fallen soldiers and to implement appropriate policies to honour them as national heroes,” said Manet.
He also explained how the government is handling the large-scale return of Cambodia migrant workers from Thailand and the people who have been displaced by the fighting between Cambodian and Thai armed forces, with continuous measures being undertaken since the outbreak of hostilities on July 24.
He noted that relevant government institutions, the armed forces and the administrations of the seven border provinces bordering Thailand are coordinating and arranging temporary shelters, as required. The National Committee for Disaster Management is working with them to address the accommodation, food and healthcare needs of the displaced persons.
“The defence ministry, the army and the Phnom Penh Municipal Administration, in collaboration with the provinces along the Cambodia-Thailand border, have arranged vehicles to transport our brothers and sisters from the border back to their hometowns,” he added.
The administrations of the capital and provinces, along with national working groups, are also collaborating to ensure citizens returning from Thailand are taken care of.
“The Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Health are collaborating to address these issues in a practical manner, prioritising the well-being and health of our people during this difficult time,” noted the prime minister.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the venerable monks and all Khmer citizens who continue to support and encourage our heroic soldiers and national police, who are standing firm and working actively to protect our Khmer territorial integrity. Let us continue to uphold the spirit of national unity as one Khmer people to safeguard our nation,” he added.
