Cambodia to Promote and Decorate Frontline Soldiers from Conflict with Thailand

Prime Minister Hun Manet of Cambodia has instructed that promotions and medals be prepared for soldiers who have fulfilled their duties on the front lines in the battles with Thailand. He particularly emphasized that young soldiers who have recently joined and participated directly in combat against the Thai military's invasion should also receive this encouragement. Speaking in Kandal province during a ceremony to award land titles to citizens in Khsach Kandal district on the morning of July 29, 2026, Prime Minister Hun Manet stated, "A few days ago, I instructed His Excellency It Sarath to compile a list of our military personnel, especially those who have recently joined. For these young soldiers defending the new territory, I said to prepare promotions, because according to the law, one year of service is enough for promotion, but they have already fought twice, so let's promote them once." According to the Prime Minister's statement, the government is also preparing to award National Defense Medals to armed forces personnel on all fronts. He stressed that these promotions and medals are for those who have fulfilled their duties and are currently stationed defending the nation at the front borders, especially those who directly participated in combat for five days and 21 days in 2025. On July 24, 2025, the Thai military launched an attack on Cambodian border defense forces in the Ta Moan Thom temple area and expanded their attacks along the border. The first armed invasion by the Thai military into Cambodian territory, from July 24 to July 27, 2025, resulted in loss of life, destruction of property, and damage to civilian locations including pagodas, schools, hospitals, and ancient temples. Tens of thousands of Cambodian citizens were forced to flee their homes to escape the heavy artillery fire from the Thai military. Although the first round of war ended on July 27, the Thai military harbored intentions to invade Cambodian territory again, launching a renewed heavy artillery attack in December 2025. This second war, lasting 21 days, caused severe devastation to the nation and people of Cambodia. Despite international intervention and a ceasefire agreement reached on December 27, 2025, military tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border remain fragile and have become a protracted border dispute issue to this day. Notably, after strenuous efforts to seek a ceasefire to end the tragedy for the nation and its people, the Royal Government and its leaders, including Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen and Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, have continued to pay the utmost attention to the families of fallen soldiers and those wounded by the Thai military's invasion of Cambodia. In response to Prime Minister Hun Manet's appeal, microfinance institutions have decided to fully waive debts for frontline soldiers, wounded soldiers, and the families of fallen soldiers. Additionally, other forms of preferential treatment are being provided under the government's coordination. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local