Interior Ministry Sets Up Six ‘Waiting Villages’ for Border Displaced Residents

PHNOM PENH, July 2, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Interior Ministry has approved the creation of six new villages in Banteay Meanchey province to house residents displaced by the border dispute with Thailand, officials said Thursday.

A decision signed July 1 by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha established Rong Cham 1 through Rong Cham 6, carved out of Slakram village in Svay Chek district. The ministry said the new administrative units will follow existing rules on appointing village chiefs and local officials.

The announcement followed a visit by Acting Head of State Samdech Techo Hun Sen to a temporary shelter in Slakram commune, where he named the settlement “Rong Cham Village,” or “Waiting Village.”

Samdech Techo told residents the designation did not signal Cambodia was abandoning its territorial claims. “The fact that we have established this village does not mean we are giving up our claim to our land. Our land must be reclaimed,” he said.

Authorities say the shelters were set up for families displaced after Thai forces encroached on land and homes in Chokchey, Prey Chan and Boeung Trakuon. Thailand has disputed Cambodia’s account of events along the border.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen praised government efforts to provide housing and aid, noting he had distributed assistance to more than 3,000 displaced people during a visit in June.

He said the welfare of residents remained a priority, while reaffirming Cambodia’s determination to pursue dialogue and peaceful resolution of the border dispute.

The creation of the new villages would provide displaced families with clearer administrative structures and access to local services while longer‑term solutions are sought.