Phnom Penh (FN), Jun. 26 – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that the Royal Government of Cambodia has consistently considered the living conditions of veterans by increasing their pensions as well as providing other sponsorships.

The premier spoke on Wednesday (Jun. 26) on the occasion of the celebration of the 17th Cambodian Veterans Day.

Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underlined that if the government were to increase the pension of each veteran by 50,000 riels, it would cost over USD 1 million per month.

Samdech Thipadei underscored, "It sounds less for a person. With our national budget supporting over 100,000 people, this amounts to over USD 1 million monthly or more than USD 10 million annually. Can we afford not to take into account the lives of our veterans?"

The Royal Government has increased the minimum monthly pension for former civil servants and veterans from 770,000 riels in 2023 to 82,500,000 riels in 2024. The premier added that the government not only provides financial support but also considers the well-being of their families and has built houses for them.

As of now, a total of 109,000 veterans and 149,000 dependents are receiving subsidies from the state. Prime Minister Hun Manet stated that these figures will continue to be adjusted to reflect economic growth and increases in the basic salary for civil servants in the Armed Forces.

On the occasion, Samdech Thipadei added that 21 June has been set as Cambodian Veterans Day to show great gratitude to the veterans and to remind future generations of their sacrifices.

Prime Minister Hun Manet added that this day is a reminder of the great merits of heroes, heroines, people, and patriots who made sacrifices during the battle to liberate the motherland from the genocidal regime of Khmer Rouge and have saved lives and allowed society to thrive. The ceremony also expresses gratitude to our veterans.
=FRESH NEWS