Cambodia, US Embassy Deputy Inspect Support for Displaced Persons Near Thai Border

On September 9, 2026, Mr. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and head of the government working group for Banteay Meanchey province, along with Ms. Aleksandra P. Zittle, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy to the Kingdom of Cambodia, visited and met with medical teams and citizens at the health post in Romcham village, Slakram commune, Svay Chek district, Banteay Meanchey province. This visit was a clear demonstration of the government's attention to the health and livelihoods of citizens displaced from areas facing abnormal situations due to Thai invasion of Cambodian sovereignty. The visit aimed to understand the actual situation and inspect the provision of healthcare services and humanitarian aid at the local level. During the occasion, the delegation inspected the actual situation of healthcare services provided to citizens, especially those who had been displaced to safer areas. They also listened to the challenges, needs, and requests of the citizens and medical teams working at the local level. Minister Dith Tina expressed the government's high level of concern for the welfare and safety of displaced citizens, considering the assurance of decent living spaces, access to healthcare services, and various necessary supports as urgent matters that need to be continuously improved. The direct field visit by the Minister also demonstrated that the work of rescuing and protecting displaced citizens is not solely focused on providing material aid, but also on addressing their health, living conditions, and specific needs. Concurrently, Ms. Aleksandra P. Zittle, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy to Cambodia, joined the inspection of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) project supporting displaced persons in Cambodia, which receives support from the United States. The presence of relevant parties on-site reflected the cooperation between the Royal Government of Cambodia, development partners, and international organizations in responding to the humanitarian needs of citizens facing difficulties. This support project is significant in facilitating the lives of displaced citizens by providing support focused on essential needs and enabling them to access important services in the areas where they are temporarily residing. Specifically, the local health post is a crucial point in ensuring that citizens can receive nearby healthcare services, especially for children, women, the elderly, and those who require regular medical care. Therefore, inspecting and understanding the service provision capacity of the medical teams here is part of ensuring that the protection of displaced citizens is carried out effectively. The activities on September 9 also highlighted the importance of joint collaboration among the government, local authorities, medical teams, international organizations, and development partners in responding to humanitarian situations. Such cooperation can ensure that aid and support are organized based on the actual needs of the people at the local level. Through this direct engagement, a significant message conveyed was that displaced citizens are not left to face difficulties alone. The attention from leadership and the participation of international partners have become crucial supporting forces for them during the time they need necessary assistance and protection. The inspection and meeting at the Romcham village health post was not merely a routine field visit, but a confirmation of the collective commitment to prioritize the safety, health, and dignity of the citizens. The cooperation between Cambodia, the United States, and IOM is contributing to the response to the needs of displaced persons in Banteay Meanchey province. By: Chhun Sarath © All rights reserved by Agence Kampuchea Presse 2018