Japan Approves $1.8 Million Emergency Grant for Cambodia-Thailand Border Humanitarian Response

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Aug. 15, 2025) — Japan has approved an emergency grant of $1.8 million to support humanitarian relief in Cambodia’s border areas, where recent clashes and landmine incidents have displaced thousands. The aid, delivered through IOM and UNICEF, will provide essential supplies and temporary shelters for affected communities.

Japanese Ambassador Ueno Atsushi announced Friday that the Government of Japan will provide an emergency grant of approximately $1.8 million to support displaced communities in the border areas. The aid will be delivered through the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNICEF, focusing on essential supplies and temporary shelters.

“The Government of Japan strongly supports the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand,” Ueno said in a statement. “We hope for the swift restoration of peace and will make efforts to alleviate the hardships of those affected.”

Ueno and Colonel Hara Takashi, Japan’s defense attaché in Cambodia, recently visited the border region and expressed deep concern over the extent of the damage. The Embassy of Japan pledged continued support for peacebuilding and humanitarian relief.

Separately, the Chinese Embassy in Phnom Penh also confirmed a $100,000 emergency contribution to assist Cambodian authorities in responding to the crisis. The donation will be used to support local relief operations, including food distribution, medical aid, and temporary housing for displaced families.

The aid announcements come amid growing international concern over ceasefire violations and border incursions. Cambodia’s Joint Commission on Demarcation for Land Boundary (JBC) issued a formal protest this week, accusing Thai military forces of laying barbed wire and constructing barricades in disputed areas of Banteay Meanchey Province.

The United Nations and ASEAN observers have been deployed to monitor the situation, while Cambodian officials continue to call for restraint and adherence to the ceasefire agreement signed on August 7.

As humanitarian needs mount, both Japan and China have emphasized their commitment to regional stability and bilateral cooperation with Cambodia.