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Today, we are organizing (the meeting with students who passed the 2024-2025 Secondary School Certificate Examination with Distinction and the Level 3 Technical and Vocational Certificate Examination). We had postponed the previous plan for the meeting several times because of the border situation. Finally, we have shelved the postponement to meet today. Although it is a little late, we have been able to organize it to congratulate those of you who worked hard to achieve success in the exams.
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(1) Increase knowledge in line with job requirements as well as career paths or passions of young people
In this task, (to be more actively implementing the education development policy), as HE Hang Chuon Naron (Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports) mentioned, we are preparing training to match the needs of the country’s development. For this reason, since the beginning of the term, (we) have started to implement (the education development policy, which) His Excellency Hang Chuon Naron and His Excellency Heng Sour (Minister of Labor and Vocational Training) have worked together to prepare a learning path, oriented for future careers between the Ministry of Education, (Youth and Sports) and the Ministry of Labor and Vocational Training, where our vision is to provide opportunities to orient young people from the beginning, meaning quickly from grade 10 onwards. We cannot wait until (students) take the baccalaureate exam to get the (orientation on) whether to continue learning general knowledge or get vocational (training). This task is therefore to ensure the effectiveness of increasing knowledge in line with job requirements as well as the career path or passions of young people.
(2) The country’s future is connected to that of the youth and the people
This work is not only done in Cambodia. Many developed countries, such as Singapore, Germany, etc. have done it. Many countries provide (orientation for future careers) because (it is not possible) for 100 secondary school students to go to the path of (general) knowledge education. It is possible (that some follow) the path of vocational learning from grade 10. It is a skilled force. There must be a flexibility that in the future they can return to (continue their studies in general education). For example, after completing the general vocational path, which has no bachelor’s degree like in general education, there is, however, a degree that can be of equal value and can be transferred back to study as a bachelor’s degree or a general knowledge. The consideration for this permission is to ensure that (our youth have a future). The future of the country is connected to the future of our youth and people.
(3) Organizing a work system, a policy path, and a decision-making orientation – a human resource development
If our youth are knowledgeable, healthy, and the work they have learned is connected to the needs of society, (it will help) build the future. This is an important contribution to the development of the nation. For this task, I would like to thank and appreciate His Excellency Hang Chuon Naron and His Excellency Heng Sour, as well as the teams that studied into this task. We have implemented it before. We have vocational training, and there are some programs in high schools, but (need to) organize a work system, organize a policy path to further encourage and further guide from grades 9-10. We do not force, but we make sure that the children receive information as well as the right direction in making decisions. This is human resource development.
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(4) Strengthened quality education provides opportunities and capabilities for young people from one generation to the next
The same goes for other children who did not pass the exam with distinction of A mention. As our young people, both those who passed the exam and those who did not pass the exam this year, please do not give up. Continue to work hard to build your own capabilities and opportunities. This is the (resource) that our nation needs. The Royal Government will strive to expand opportunities and strengthen the quality of education to provide young people from one generation to the next, year after year, with more opportunities and capabilities. Make every effort to attract new job creation, whether from outside or inside, to create additional job opportunities for our young people and citizens to achieve opportunities to increase their capabilities and help our nation […]
(5) The spirit of unity in helping the heroic army, police, and displaced people is the spirit of patriotism – a great national force
I know that some of the students in the distinction category here are the children/nephews or grandchildren, or relatives of the heroic combatants, the police, who are fulfilling the task of protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity at the border front. I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the heroism of all of you who are standing or have sacrificed in fulfilling the task of protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. I would like to thank the families who have given you strength and support in protecting the land and protecting the national interests for all of us. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our citizens throughout the country, whether you are at home or abroad, all over the world, especially our young people, who have shown the spirit of unity in helping the heroic army, the police, and the displaced people. This is a great spirit of patriotism, a great national force, helping each other in difficult times. I have said it that no one helps Cambodians more than the Cambodians themselves.
(6) The land and people are the top priority of the Royal Government
I understand the concerns of families and people across the country regarding the border issue, which has caused loss of life, injuries to civilians, armed forces, and destruction of homes, public property, etc. Since the issue is not over yet, I will not elaborate on the issue or the measures to resolve it, but what I want to emphasize is that, from the beginning, since the first and second outbreaks of violence, the land and people have been the top priority of the Royal Government. Of course, there is much to be done. Some developments have not been as we would like. It has created psychological difficulties and fear. The Royal Government will not abandon this duty. We protect the sovereignty of the land, as well as the lives and well-being of the people, especially those living on the border and the displaced people.
(7) There have been shortcomings still due to unpredicted and rapid changes
The work that needs to be done on all these fronts is not just a commitment, but a constant activity. For some instances, we have been able to complete, some have either not or are still lacking, depending on the rapidly and unpredictably changing situation. For example, when armed conflict breaks out, the number of displaced people increased from a few thousand to more than half a million in just a few days or a week. That is a task that must be addressed. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Health, the National Disaster Management Committee, all relevant capital/provincial administrations, that have helped each other to receive displaced people, especially when the number increased significantly and it exceeded the capacity of the provinces themselves. (So) we must help each other.
(8) There are still refugees to take care of and some areas are considered at risk still
Let me once again thank our citizens of all trends, from all directions, especially the youth, who have volunteered to help fill in (wherever there was a need). I thank the displaced people who have been understanding and cooperative. This is a real situation. Now we have improved, but it is not over. We still have many displaced people to take care of, and there are areas that we consider are still at risk and where our people cannot return (to their homestead yet). Some places have problems that need to be resolved in the medium and long term. Some places have not yet been advisable because there are many unexploded ordnances, and infrastructure has been destroyed. This generation of children, who are called the children born in the post shelling time, but we are living in it this time (of shells).
(9) At home or abroad – the King, ordinary citizens have the right and duty to consider the national interest
We now see pictures that we used to see of refugees in 1970s. It is happening now. We used to see some houses destroyed by war. Now we are living in this (situation). Some places that used to be prosperous are now full of burnt houses, destroyed houses (that you have not been able to return to). We are living in the present (war damages). This has created in the minds of the Cambodian people, whether inside Cambodia or abroad, whether the King, whether citizens, ordinary people, farmers, everywhere, all feel the same (about it) at this time. This is a concern. The fact that we have this concern is right because all Khmer people have the right and duty to consider the national interest and the supreme interest of our people. The Royal Government has also heard and has not (rejected) the (concerns of) the people (about) the land.
(10) RGC make no decisions in such a way that people express opinions on social media
Sometimes, things don’t go the way we wanted at the same time. The Royal Government’s decisions (makings) are not like those of ordinary people. Let me give you an example. This morning, some of you may sit at a coffee table. In just one hour or 10 minutes, you can decide to do 3 or 4 things, especially on Facebook (through) commenting. You see pictures of the dead, the injured, the burned-out pagodas, the houses that people can’t go back to. You can comment – “The war is so terrible. I don’t want to see it anymore.” You look at another post and see refugees who are struggling but haven’t returned yet. You can comment saying, “It’s so sad. I wish you all the best and that there won’t be any more war.” You go to another post and see people in O’Smach (returning) but are not sure to be safe, you wish them “Good luck and hope the war doesn’t break out (again).” Go to another post, see a container with barbed wire, immediately get angry, you change your mind and post, “Why didn’t you shoot, why didn’t you attack it right away?” In just 10 minutes, you can express four different opinions and feelings. The last one is the opposite of the previous three. As for the government’s decision (it can’t be done in such a manner).
(11) Every decision must be weighed and evaluated considering the territory, the people, and the forces
There is a question, why did the government do this? Why didn’t it do that? I don’t want to highlight and explain in detail now. When the opportunity arises, the situation is over, I will explain. But for now, I just want to let the citizens know that the Royal Government makes every decision with a responsibility to weigh and evaluate clearly in the face of the arrow, which must take into accounts both the territory, the people, and our forces. At the same time, we can only choose one option, and there can be no more options like the commenter who said according to his feelings. He is not wrong, though. In the feelings of a Khmer, everyone has the right to be hurt, the right to be angry, the right to express his opinion, and it has no impact on the situation or the response that creates the situation on the ground like the decision of the Royal Government. I just want to emphasize that the decision of the Royal Government at all steps is for the greater good of the nation and the people […]
(12) Though unpublicized, actions taken in the direction of protecting the national and people’s interests
All actions, whether they are activities that are publicized or activities that you can see concrete results on the ground (are taken in the interest of our nation and people). For example, if the Royal Government is not active, the provincial authorities are not active, and the competent forces in all places are not active, evacuating more than half a million people in just a few days would not be possible […] the Royal Government has not ignored the problem. Take active actions regularly […] the fact that you can return to your original situation, to your villages and communes, and return to your normal life is not accidental […] We may not have made comments or held press conferences to tell you what we have been doing, but we have always taken actions. We have protested and rejected various illegal occupations. Of course, diplomatic activities, legal activities, some activities are not as straightforward as fighting. Fighting is quick to learn the result. Put one hand on the sword, you may know whether it is a victory, a defeat, an injury or a death, but many activities are done (even if not shown) only in one goal – to protect the interests of the nation and the people.
(13) Land and people are priorities, protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity both now and in the future
This is what I would like to state to you all – parents, brothers, sisters, Excellencies, and all our citizens today. As the (head of the) Royal Government, I would like to state the principles of the Royal Government clearly that, firstly, the land and people remain the highest priority of the Royal Government. This is a commitment in the past, present, and future. Secondly, regarding the Cambodia-Thailand border, which is an international border between states, it will be protected by international law, especially the Charter of the United Nations. Therefore, Cambodia firmly stands to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity both now and in future – using all available means in accordance with international law, and Cambodia absolutely does not recognize any changes in the border line or the occupation of territory that is internationally illegal or through use of force.
(14) Resolve the border dispute peacefully and through the JBC mechanism
Cambodia adheres to the position of resolving the Cambodia-Thailand dispute peacefully, based on international law and the agreements that Cambodia and Thailand have signed, especially the assessment through the JBC mechanism to determine the correctness and justice for both countries in protecting their respective sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is a principle that is consistent with what is left as a legacy from colonialism, including treaties, conventions, and previous border demarcations. This is what we have agreed on. We will strive to resolve this issue peacefully. Let me give you examples, […] especially those living along the border need stability. People need to return to their homes, and not to be afraid, eyes on the neck because they don’t know when they will have to flee again.
(15) Not to leave the conflict as a legacy for future generations
As long there are viable options, the Royal Government should affirm the sovereignty of each country without causing pain, death, injury, and destruction to the people. We must use that method. That is why the Royal Government signed a ceasefire agreement on December 7, which also clearly stated the use of the JBC border mechanism to measure progress. Of course, (this task) has not yet happened because Thailand has had an election. But going forward, we hope that this mechanism is what will be used to ensure peace between the two countries, so that the people on the border of the two countries will not have the difficulties of the past six months. We will find a way to resolve the conflict, not to leave the conflict as a legacy for our children and grandchildren.
(16) Achieve tangible results for refugees and war-torn areas
Regarding the border issue, I believe that there are different views, different methods, and different perceptions. There are views that agree with the work that the government is doing, and there are also some who disagree with the methods. That is your right. That is our opinion as Cambodians. What I want to emphasize, though, is that the government continues to work hard to solve this problem, even though sometimes we have not publicized, we have not held daily press conferences or confirmed what we are doing, […] I am asking for your understanding. What is important is the results on the ground. You can see a lot, especially the solution of the problems faced by displaced persons and war-torn areas. Among them are the young people (some here). Here, there are a few who are from the conflict zone […] So, the young people can understand. I don’t know if the school can now resume. In fighting, they don’t know whether it is the school or the pagoda. In the 1970s, we used to talk about the B52. Now we have seen it. Unfortunately. We have no choice. This has happened on our land again in 2025. We don’t want to see it.
(17) Develop the economy, establish good relations with neighbors, and protect the territory and people at the same time
In the border areas, we develop, open communication channels, want to develop the economy, and establish good relations with neighboring countries. But the situation that has occurred for the past six months is that we have no choice. All we can do is ensure the safety and well-being of the people, including these children. We have organized temporary learning shelters in other places or set up a booth in the center, but we cannot leave them or the teachers in the area that is being bombed […] We want the damaged schools to be repaired so that they can return. The children are learning, and they don’t need to run away in fear because they hear airplanes dropping bombs or artillery. It is our goal to protect the territory and protect the people at the same time. (Doing this) may take a long time, may be complicated, may be difficult, but no matter how long or complicated, the Royal Government is still committed to protecting territory and people, at all time.
(18) Ministries/institutions work together with the people as a great force
This is what I would like to emphasize, related to the issues that the people are interested in, worried about, afraid of, and in some places even angry with each other. I understand the feelings. The feelings of the resolvers who had to make decisions are no different – it is the feeling of responsibility. I am not the only one who can resolve the issue. We have the leadership of the Royal Government, the working group, and various lawyers involved in resolving the issue. Some people suspect that it is resolved by one or two people. That is not the case. It is the joint work of the Royal Government, the joint work of all skills, but we do not create a war command committee or anything like that. The responsibility of all ministries and institutions that come forward is the responsibility of the leaders of all ministries and institutions, whether it is the Ministry of National Defense, the Commander-in-Chief, whether it is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Information, or our embassies abroad. We all act together with all the people, which is a great force.
(19) The more difficult, the more painful, the stronger to strengthen the nation
I would take this opportunity to, once again, thank the people – both at home and abroad – who have taken actions in the past to support peace and support the search for a solution to achieve happiness together in the spirit of one Cambodian nation. We may be hurt. We may be injured, but we cannot let this physical or mental injury make us fall. We must be strong. The more difficult, the more painful, we must be stronger to strengthen the Cambodian nation going forward. No one can strengthen our nation (except us). We must work (study) to strengthen our abilities. Both those who got distinction A and those who did not are the same. No matter what grade they are in, we must strive to learn for the future of our nation – Cambodia (can) be strong because the Cambodian people are strong. The Ministry of Education, (Youth and Sports) has worked hard to strengthen the education system. Our teachers have worked hard. (So) we will continue to work hard. We must push for betterment in all sectors – economic, social, and political. We must be stronger together.
(20) Ministries/institutions, local authorities work together to serve people and build the nation
I always tell the cabinet meetings that I understand the feelings of ministers, whether ministers or ordinary employees, because it is a natural feeling for Cambodians when the country is facing war. For example, when fighting, seeing various developments that are not to our liking, we could feel discouraged. Some say that turning on Facebook in the morning and seeing the news makes them want to faint and never wake up. That is not what we could allow it to happen. Of course, feelings (of discouragement) can exist, but we cannot stay idle. We must be strong and move forward. All ministries, institutions, and institutions must be vibrant. We must work together to strengthen our ministries to serve the people. Local authorities at all levels must strive to serve the people, build our capabilities, reduce our inaction or our gaps, so that (we) can jointly build the nation. Everyone, in every sector, must move forward, the more difficult it is, the more we work hard to build our nation to grow in the future […]
(21) Peaceful resolution based on international law and technology will be effective in the long term
I would like to reiterate the Royal Government’s position that peaceful resolution based on international law on border issues is a principle that we strive for. Only this method can ensure long-term effectiveness. The results may be slow and difficult, but we must face the problem together and find a way to end it so that it does not happen again in the future in order to ensure peace. The place that used to be developed as they were battlefields for internal wars in the 1980s or 1990s, and later developed and connected with neighboring countries, have unfortunately, in a short time, become battlefields again.
We hope that it will end and return to be a place of vibrant development for the people. We will strive to resolve the territorial issue based on the law to protect sovereignty and territorial integrity according to the possibilities and technical and legal laws that we have, to the best of our ability, as I have stated before. Please trust and understand. Sometimes (the results) are not as fast as you would like […] One hand wants peace and a ceasefire, while the other hand wants to shoot. So, any choice must be balanced to ensure what is good for our citizens. This is what the government will continue to implement and seek in (the name of) those responsible for the nation and the citizens […]./.