Cambodia Allocates Market Stalls for Displaced Traders Near Thai Border

In Banteay Meanchey Province, northwestern Cambodia, a lottery was held on August 1, 2026, to allocate market stalls for residents displaced by Thai military incursions who are currently residing in 'Rom Chanh Village'. The event was presided over by the Provincial Governor Um Ratry and other officials, marking a step towards rebuilding the livelihoods of affected local residents. This support initiative is being driven by the government task force, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary General of the Association of Former Soldiers and Veterans of Cambodia, Kun Kim, and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Dit Tina, following directives from Prime Minister Hun Manet. Notably, Senior Advisor Kae Kim Yan and his wife provided 400 hectares of land, upon which the government has established housing and a living area for the displaced persons. This allows those taking refuge in Rom Chanh Village, Slakram Commune, Svay Chek District, to have homes and opportunities to earn a living. In addition to housing, the government has also set up a market for the displaced traders to sell their goods. The lottery was conducted to ensure a fair distribution of suitable stalls for these merchants to sustain themselves. In the first phase, over 300 stalls were allocated through the lottery, with further draws planned for the remaining traders. The provincial authorities have also urged the traders to participate in preserving the environment once the market begins operations. Furthermore, the market has been organized with designated zones for different types of goods, separating items like groceries and clothing from food, seafood, and meat products.