(Phnom Penh): Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet appealed to citizens not to harbour extremist or discriminatory sentiments toward Thai nationals, noting that there are many Thai citizens who hold goodwill toward Cambodians.
The premier spoke on Tuesday (Jun. 17) at the Closing of Extraordinary General Assembly of Cambodia Scouts in Phnom Penh.
Despite current tensions, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet affirmed that the Royal Government remains committed to assisting all Cambodian citizens living, working, studying, or receiving medical treatment in Thailand. He emphasised that Cambodia continues to pursue regional cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and sovereignty, a cornerstone of the kingdom's relations with neighbouring countries and beyond.
“My final message to our workers in Thailand. If you wish to return home, I have instructed our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our embassy in Bangkok, and consular offices to facilitate the process. Some may lack documentation or have been there for a long time. If you want to return, we will prepare the paperwork. Do not worry. Come to the border, and our officials will ensure that any Khmer citizen is allowed to enter,” the premier underscored.
He continued, “The seven provinces bordering Thailand are ready to assist with healthcare. If there is a large group, we will provide transportation. The Ministry of Labor has coordinated job placement services at those points to help those returning integrate into employment again. With nationalist sentiment rising in parts of Thailand, discrimination and mistreatment of our people is beginning to escalate.”
Samdech Thipadei continued, “Cambodians are respectful people. I urge our citizens in Cambodia to remain composed and adhere to ethical conduct. Do not mistreat or discriminate against Thai nationals in Cambodia. Do not engage in retaliatory behaviour. Not all Thais are the same, some may harbour nationalist feelings or look down on us, but others truly care about us. Regardless, if our workers in Thailand want to return, the Royal Government is ready to support them, and together we will rebuild our country. Cambodia is not standing still. As long as we safeguard peace, unity, and national solidarity, we will continue to grow stronger not only in terms of electricity and internet access, but also in ownership of production, connectivity, skills training, education, and beyond.”
As Prime Minister, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet confirmed that in any instance where Cambodian citizens are denied medical treatment in Thailand, the Royal Government will bring them home and provide care free of charge. For Cambodian scholarship students in Thailand who wish to return, the government is prepared to provide domestic scholarships in Cambodia. These measures reflected the Royal Government’s preparedness and commitment to support its people amid heightened tensions with Thailand.
=FRESH NEWS
