August 7, 2025
PHNOM PENH – A delegation of over 30 international officials, including embassy staff and representatives from several UN agencies, is visiting temporary refugee camps in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces. They aim to check on the welfare of displaced individuals, who urged a full ceasefire to support a lasting peace.
Embassy officials from major powers such as the US, China and Russia, along with representatives from key regional countries, are participating on the August 6 and 7 visits. The delegation is led by Kan Pharith and Un Kheang, both secretaries of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
During the visit, Pascal Ringwald, World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Cambodia, noted that the arrangements for the refugees were well-organised, with good healthcare provisions, preparations for hospital transfers for those in need and care for the injured at two hospitals in Siem Reap province.
Two of the Cambodian soldiers who accompanied the visiting delegates. PHOTO: THE PHNOM PENH POST
“We welcome this ceasefire and hope it will continue. The WHO is mobilising medical supplies, and we are working closely with the Ministry of Health and partners to ensure that displaced individuals receive quality healthcare services,” he said.
The refugees have appealed to the international delegation to help ensure the ceasefire is fully implemented and leads to a complete peace, as they wish to return to their homes and for their children to resume schooling.
According to the Ministry of National Defence, as of August 6, there were over 120,000 refugees from five provinces: Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat and Siem Reap staying at various sanctuaries. This number has decreased from the almost 180,000 recorded during the July 24 to 28 armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand.