Extensive Excerpts of Off-the-cuff Remarks by Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet on the Occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the Establishment of the University of Health Sciences, the Inauguration of 2 New Academic Buildings, and the Graduation Ceremony for Successful Students[Unofficial extensive excerpts and translations]

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(1) Every academic institution – leadership/management, professors/academic staff, and students form a mutually supportive triad (cooking stove tripod)

The three key actors in training—whether at a university or an educational institution—are: first, the leadership and management; second, the professors and academic staff; and third, the students. These three actors form a cooperative triad (like a three-legged cooking stove) that supports one another.

The leadership sets the vision, mission, and direction of the institution, establishing the standards and pedagogical approaches for training. This determines the potential, outcomes, and types of human resources they wish to produce.

The implementation of this direction is driven by the professors and academic staff. They are the vital actors who transform the policies or directions set by school leaders into practical actions. They do this by executing their duties responsibly, conducting additional research, and creating and organizing various teaching methodologies.

Both of these efforts ultimately reach the students as recipients. Students benefit from the strategic planning of the school leadership and management, combined with the hard work of the professors and academic staff. This synergy results in the lessons and teaching methods delivered to us, providing the direction for us to conduct research and strive to follow the principles […] In turn, students demonstrate the achievements and quality outcomes in society that the leadership and professors have worked hard to instill.

(2) Healthcare professionals of all specialties graduating from the “Red School” who treat patients effectively will bring value and prestige back to the school

If students and healthcare professionals of all specialties graduating from the “Red School” have the competence to cure people, they are called “skilled doctors.” This, in turn, reflects value back onto the school, elevating the trust and confidence of parents, citizens, and future generations of students who will want to enroll in the (Red) School.

Therefore, these three components of the triad (cooking stove tripod) support one another—the loss of any single one is impossible if we want to strengthen the capacity and credibility of an institution. No matter how hard students study, if the leadership sets the wrong direction or establishes low, unclear standards, it will be difficult. Even if professors strive to study, they will remain at a level where they cannot (raise quality, because) if others have reached AI and technology, but the leadership says not to use technology, not to bring AI (into the curriculum, and insists on) teaching only the traditional way […] if it is like that, things will just stagnate.

On the other hand, if the leadership states that we must integrate with AI and develop (teaching) programs to catch up with AI and connect it to the school—so we can build training and research programs—and the teachers, academic staff, and professors diligently conduct further research to upgrade their lessons, (then) the results will follow accordingly. This is the crucial triad, and these three are the core actors that determine the quality of human resources (in the health sector).

(3) “Doctors are not angels, but they carry out the mission of angels.”

The quality of human resources in the healthcare sector directly impacts the health and lives of the people. It is completely different from other fields of study. Because of this, I often say, “Doctors are not angels, but they carry out the mission of angels.” That is, they cure the sick, ease the suffering of the critically ill, and save the lives of those on the brink of death […]

When the life expectancy of our citizens increases, maternal and infant mortality rates drop, and lives are saved during the COVID-19 pandemic—where those who were severely ill managed to survive—these achievements all showcase the accomplishments and capabilities of our healthcare workers, the vast majority of whom were trained right here within the country. Of course, we do have doctors who go to study abroad to upgrade their skills, and some who receive their entire training overseas, but the majority of our doctors, specialists, and nurses were trained domestically.

This demonstrates the progress and evolution of our healthcare sector, especially after the country’s liberation in 1979, considering that nearly all educated people—including medical professionals—had been executed. Very few survived.

(4) The growth of infrastructure proves past strength and prepares the institution for long-term stability

So, over these past 80 years, the school has trained more than 30,000 human resources (in medical sciences). However, we must also remember that during the Pol Pot era, (the medical school) was shut down for a period of times (and was rebuilt after liberation). Just moments ago, Mr. Saphon Vathanak demonstrated today’s progress and infrastructure development. The other day, I came to inaugurate a small building. I thought that one was big at the time. But just now, he showcased another new building, making the (previous one) look small by comparison. (Thank you. Please be seated).

The growth of infrastructure proves, from one angle, the school’s resilience up to this point, while laying a solid foundation for long-term training capabilities. Just a moment ago, we said that 80 years ago was a treasure (and 80 years from now will be a grand mission). We don’t know who will still be around 80 years from now. At the very least, our children will inherit a 80-year treasure that started 80 years ago, continued through our generation, and will carry on into the future.

The core actors in building and driving the progress of the “Red School”—the University of Health Sciences—and ensuring its credibility are the very three actors I mentioned earlier. Those three actors remain the same: the management and leadership, the professors and academic staff, and the students. Only the faces change […] At most, we might live to be 150 years old. And that is only if doctors help us and prescribe the right medications to reach 150! The functions and roles of these three actors remain exactly the same, even as the people change. Therefore, from one generation to the next, (we) must continue to build further, and this applies especially to the students themselves.

(5) Medical students do not just learn hard skills, but soft skills as well

I personally know the results (of the training) from the Red School, whose graduates go out to serve society and help put this into practice, because I have a personal doctor right at home. Today, the boss (my wife) has joined me. Usually, I hand out certificates alone. But this time, she said it is her school too […] So, I am well aware of the quality of at least one Red School graduate.

This particular personal doctor is the one who organizes my medication. She knows that I have difficulty swallowing pills. If another doctor gave me medicine, I might try to avoid it, but with this doctor, it isn’t easy. She follows up constantly. Even when she isn’t home, she tells someone to check the room and ask, “The medicine I set out for your older brother, did he take it today?” Being far away makes her even stricter than being right next to me. But because, first, the doctor prescribes the right medication, and second, she monitors the patient responsibly, (I am able to maintain good health)… I am not just praising her because she is sitting right here next to me.

In the medical profession, there are two factors. The first is medicine, but the second is psychology. Just when a doctor pays close attention, checking in every hour or two and practicing their professionalism, (it makes the patient feel warm and comforted). Therefore, medical professionals do not just learn knowledge and hard skills; they learn soft skills as well. This code of ethics is vital. If we just see a doctor looking stern or fierce, we feel even sicker than before […]

(6) Choosing a medical career to save lives, earn social honor, and secure job opportunities/income

I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation […] because for the most part, the decision to pursue a career in medicine—whether in Cambodia or any other country—rests on similar core factors. First, the desire to save human lives, cure people, and serve society. Second, of course, is for social honor. The medical profession is highly respected and valued in society. In rural villages, local community doctors are individuals who help a great deal. And third, it provides job opportunities, a livelihood, and income.

Among these three, I believe that all of you graduating here today share a single, ultimate priority: saving lives and treating the health of our people. Seeing others recover, and seeing a family stay together because a loved one didn’t lose their life due to a lack of help—wanting to see them happy is the number one priority for everyone studying medicine. It is true that doctors can earn a good living.

(7) “Better to fail in school than to fail in life” … For a doctor, failing in life means endangering others

Therefore, I ask that when studying medicine, please do not just study to finish; study to actually know the material. Do not study just to get a degree to open a clinic and make money. You must know how to prescribe medication with absolute precision. When we are sick, we go to the doctor. If the doctor prescribes medication without absolute certainty, who else is left to trust? I only trust the doctor. In some places, wanting a quick recovery leads to over-prescribing strong medication. Please be very careful with this […] every medicine is a double-edged sword.

The father of one of my friends used to have joint pain. He went to a pharmacy, and the pharmacist gave him a handful of pills. When he took them, the pain did disappear, but it caused internal inflammation, like in his stomach or elsewhere. Therefore, studying requires responsibility, and you must set your goals toward mastering the knowledge and saving human lives. The school and the professors must likewise strive to improve efficiency and guide students so that upon graduating, they possess the opportunities and the enhanced capacity to treat patients.

Once out of school, there are no more tests. Going out into the world to assess and prescribe medicine to a person means holding a human life in your hands. “Better to fail in school than to fail in life.” For a doctor, failing in life means endangering someone else. And that someone else could very well be your own family member […] It is not that doctors have bad intentions, but rather it comes from a lack of certainty.

(8) Training medical professionals is a massive financial investment

Investing in the training of each individual medical student is highly expensive. It requires investments in laboratories and surgical equipment. Nowadays, things have become even more advanced. I visited the Red School a long time ago, perhaps 14 or 15 years ago, which Mr. Saphon Vathanak also highlighted. I saw the modern laboratory facilities there. It has to be that way.

Doctors cannot just cut corners, watch a YouTube video, and go perform surgery. They must learn through hands-on, practical experience. When surgery needs to be practiced, actual human cadavers are used. This is the case whether in our country or in others; actual cadavers must be utilized for practice. Today, there are computer-guided AI mannequins made of synthetic rubber, but their internal organs mimic a human’s, and if you make a mistake during surgery, the system alerts you. However, there is still no escaping the need to practice on actual, real bodies.

Let me expand on this slightly, as it is a reality. When you operate on a human being, it is a real person—you are no longer operating on a machine or a rubber mannequin. It is completely different from studying accounting. An accountant types on paper; if certain tasks are wrong, they can be corrected, erased, and re-entered. But a human life cannot be treated that way. No one can bargain with an angel, pleading not to take a soul away or asking for a second chance at surgery to bring the spirit back.

(9) Treating each patient with diligence is to protect ourselves from lifelong regret

In studying (this medical field), I ask that you choose to, first, set your primary goal toward helping people and improving their health […] I used to know an elder Cambodian surgeon in New York while I was studying abroad. His surgeries helped save many lives, but he still carried deep regrets over the few patients he could not save. He had tried his absolute best, yet he still could not save them, even after exhausting every possibility. He lived with that regret.

Therefore, treating every single person with utmost care is a way of helping ourselves avoid such deep regrets. If a tragic outcome occurs due to our own lack of certainty or negligence, that regret will be immense and unbearable. Of course, there might be external factors or things unseen by others, but we ourselves must remember that this is a heavy burden to bear. Others may not know the truth, but we will know.

If we are completely precise and certain in our work, we protect ourselves and prevent these mistakes. I am not even talking about facing lawsuits yet. In America, mistakes happen too—there was a case where a surgeon closed up a patient’s wound, only to leave a pair of scissors inside. They were sued. (This is an incident that happens because) people skip standard procedures or act out of panic. I ask that you pay the absolute closest attention to your studies.

(10) A degree is a secondary priority; tangible capability and true competence are the primary focus

Second, whatever (learning paths or methods) you choose, please do not take shortcuts. Do not make a degree your number one priority; let the degree be a secondary priority instead. The tangible signs of your skills—your true competence—must be the absolute first priority […]

If you merely want a degree, you could study within the country at a school that is lenient, or go study abroad, because there are lenient schools overseas as well. They issue degrees just to bring in foreign students and make quick money. Once those students graduate, they return to their home countries without ever having to pass that country’s actual professional standards. If it were programs training local students, and those students repeatedly failed the national board exams, people would hold the school accountable, and that school would lose its quality rating. However, some schools train international students very carelessly […] I am not pointing fingers at any specific nation, but this happens in every country.

Even in a superpower country like the United States, there are two types of schools. First are the Accredited schools, which are recognized by their respective ministries or state institutions. Second are the Non-accredited schools, which are not recognized by the government. These are like schools offering short training courses where (official accreditation) isn’t strictly required. However, an Accredited school must maintain clear, rigorous standards. For someone entering the workforce, even if they bring a whole stack of short-course certificates, they still won’t be recognized. What you actually need is a degree from an Accredited institution that is officially recognized by the ministry.

(11) Do not offer shortcuts to degrees; students must complete all required study and clinical practice hours

Please do not take shortcuts. And the Ministry of Education must not take shortcuts either. For instance, when we evaluate qualifications—say, a local program requires 20 hours of study, but an overseas program only takes 10 hours, lacks clinical practice, and so forth, yet we still grant them a (degree) equivalency anyway—in the end, that individual will not be up to weight. When they go out to treat people, who ultimately suffers?

I ask for cooperation and mutual understanding from everyone on this. I believe that all students, all of you, study in order to go out and work. I do not believe anyone comes to study just to get a degree to store away or to brag to their children. At the very least, a time will come when you have to use your skills to assess medication for your husband, your children, or your wife—this does not just apply to female doctors; male doctors are exactly the same, including pharmacists and others. You must have actual skills. When our parents are sick, we are the ones who (prescribe the medicine). Having a medical student in the house brings great peace of mind to parents. Whenever they feel unwell, they look to their child.

I once watched a movie where the parents did not trust their own child and refused to take the medicine given to them. Only when they called the child’s friend over to administer the exact same medication did they finally take it. However, in reality, most parents trust the child in their home, and it is much faster too, because the child is right there with them. If anything happens, they can call them even in the middle of the night.

(12) Medical training requires heavy investment, strict standards, and no cutting corners … the more specialized the field, the greater the investment

Professional training institutions must follow the same principle. Do not take shortcuts. You must be willing to invest. I cannot speak for other types of training, but when it comes to medical training, you must be willing to invest. Maintain clear standards and do not cut corners. The more specialized the field, the more investment it requires. Today, as technology advances, we must guarantee quality while setting standards to determine qualification levels.

It seems we do not quite have a unified national standard yet. For the professional medical councils, is there a standardized national exam to determine whether a person studied abroad, locally, or at any specific school, before they can receive a license to practice? (An audience member responds: “We are developing a National Licensing Exam.”) Yes, that is for the near future. Right now, we do not fully have it yet. Do not be afraid of this. Do not think that doing this is too strict. That strictness helps us. We are treating human lives. Do not let yourself carry lifelong regrets. People hand their parents over to us for care because they want them to be cured […]

Now, is there any doctor here who can claim that from now until they turn 150 years old, they will never fall ill? Eventually, everyone gets sick. When we fall ill, who do we go to? We go to another doctor. We might be able to prescribe medicine for ourselves within our own specialty, but if it falls outside our expertise, we look for another doctor. Do we want to walk into any emergency clinic near us in Cambodia and have to worry, “Does this doctor only possess a piece of paper?” […[ Surely, we want to know that anyone wearing the white uniform, anyone who is a doctor, is someone with clear, certified standards whom we can trust with our lives. Then we can stop worrying. Isn’t that right? It is exactly the same. We treat others today, but one day, others will be treating us.

It is best that anyone wearing a doctor’s coat and holding a proper license meets a clear, rigorous standard that both the public and fellow doctors can trust when it matters most. This is a task that concerns the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, and each individual school, which must define these requirements clearly. Properly determining the scope of specialized medical practice requires absolute, careful consideration.

(13) Do not lower standards just to make it easier to obtain a degree

I want to raise a point right here. Someone once asked about the nature of degrees. I said that (we will) offer encouragement and incentives to our brothers and sisters who study both locally and abroad, but we must do so at a level that guarantees the safety of the human beings who are the patients. This is the core principle. We cannot cut corners to the point where we lose trust—where we no longer even trust our own fellow doctors. Whose fault would that be? Sometimes, it is a mistake caused by being too lenient or too strict. I say it is better to be strict, because when an issue arises, we can safely guarantee the outcome.

I say: do not lower our standards just to make it easier to get a (degree) in Cambodia. Instead, let us pull up the capabilities of our own doctors or any doctor who comes to train in our country. We go to study medicine in their countries; now, there are international students coming to study (in our country) too. I am not sure if our medical school currently has foreign students. When I attend graduation ceremonies at other universities, sometimes there are students from different countries studying management and other fields. In the future, as our standards rise higher, we will attract diverse students to come study with us as well. When they graduate and leave here, it will elevate the standard of our medical and healthcare systems […]

(14) The Red School remains the leading national institution for training healthcare human resources

An institution with an 80-year history of training is no ordinary feat. The prestige of the Red School—or our University of Health Sciences—as the leading school in (medical) training is no accident. (It has been made possible) through the dedicated efforts of the school leadership, the professors, the academic staff, and the students who work and study hard (until) they go out and successfully fulfill their duties. As more and more graduates achieve 100% success in practicing their (careers) with great ethics and precise expertise, our school will continue to lead this training moving forward.

This means that for the next 80 years, the Red School will remain the number one institution in the country for training human resources (in medical science and public health). We have established a University Hospital, for which I attended the groundbreaking ceremony the other day. In the future, it will expand further, but let it not expand only in terms of buildings or the number of people—it must expand in terms of quality. Over these past 40 years, our healthcare system has progressed from a time when only a few doctors survived (the genocidal regime). Now, we train thousands. Today, more than 2,000 graduates are here. These 2,000 are not from a single cohort, as far as I know. Some graduated a while ago but had not received their degrees yet until today. These thousands today represent the very resources joining hands to uplift the health of our citizens and elevate our entire healthcare sector […]

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(15) Organizing refresher courses for those who graduated abroad but do not yet meet national standards

I want to clarify a point regarding degrees from abroad that fall short, where we locally cannot issue an equivalency certification. I have already instructed His Excellency Chheang Ra that, first and foremost, public health and our internal domestic standards must be absolute. However, for those who have already completed their studies abroad but are, for instance, “not up to weight” and caught in the middle of the river, we will not abandon them. We must organize refresher and top-up courses to bring them up to speed.

We used to do this in the military. In the past, as a standard procedure, before allowing anyone to enter Command and Staff training, they had to pass a specific prerequisite course. Some individuals had not passed that course but already held the rank. So, we created additional refresher courses and supplementary standards to top up their qualifications so they would meet the criteria. In the future, we must plan this clearly, and it is vital to work directly with those overseas institutions. We need to identify which schools we recognize so we can guide our students. If they wish to study abroad, they should go to schools that we accredit.

It works the exact same way when someone holds a degree from certain schools here and their children want to pursue further studies abroad, but some countries refuse them, stating they do not recognize the degree from that particular institution, meaning the student has to re-enroll in high school or something similar. We must undertake this task. It is interconnected. We cannot leave them stranded in the middle of the river. We have to find a solution because they are all our human resources… we must find a way to guarantee their path.

Once they are up to weight—matching those trained within the country or at other places we recognize—we must acknowledge them to ensure equity. Otherwise, it is unfair. If we are constantly making exceptions for someone who only studied for two years abroad while others worked hard here for four years, yet we grant them the exact same degree upon arrival, that is inequitable. They must undergo additional refresher training, or they must complete their studies properly over there, so they do not end up stranded in the middle of the river… this is the solution.

Moving forward, we should guide them right from the start so they know exactly what and how they need to study when going to a specific place. This allows them to forecast their investment. Students who go to study are making a major investment—an investment of their time. It is not that they are studying to take a shortcut, but rather that the school only taught up to that level. When they return, it falls short of our standards, so we must provide supplementary training to meet a specific tier. Every country does this. When students take a degree from our country to certain other nations, those nations do not recognize it immediately and require them to fulfill a specific level of supplementary requirements. It is no different.

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(16) Public health means preventing pathogens from attacking and making our people sick

This issue in the medical profession is no different from national security. The moment we have to deploy force to respond to an actual attack, we have already failed to a certain extent. Public health is about finding ways to prevent actions—to stop viruses and germs from successfully attacking and making our citizens sick. Prevention is not a single-faceted issue; it is multi-faceted.

Diseases are also evolving. Some illnesses are difficult for us because they are hereditary, and we are unsure of how to prevent or treat them. However, certain diseases can be actively prevented. Even with hereditary illnesses, genetics do not dictate 100% of the outcome. Take diabetes, for example. Some cases of diabetes are hereditary, but in many instances, they are not. Some are caused by improper nutrition since childhood or drinking too many energy drinks.

When His Excellency Kith Sopha was serving as a district governor, during an election year, he drank a lot of Bacas (and other energy beverages) due to exhaustion from campaigning and fieldwork. He drank so much that he later developed high blood sugar.

I once went to inaugurate a sugar factory in Kampong Speu with Samdech Techo. We were being shown around the sugar factory when I noticed a group of elders walking away. I asked, “Uncles, aren’t you going to take a look?” One replied, “I have no shortage of sugar in my life.” Aging is one factor, but we also see many children at Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital (facing these issues) […] some people are only 20 to 30 years old and are already developing the disease. This is a heavy burden. We need to focus on nutrition, prevention, and educating our citizens so they understand.

I once met with a friend of mine who is a medical specialist in Singapore. He told me, “Look at developing countries—why do so many people develop diabetes? It is because when they were children, there were two types of milk available: one was sweet and packed with sugar, which kids love, and the other was not.” Parents who did not know any better intended to give their children milk to help their bones grow, but it came bundled with high sugar content. Drinking that specific type heavily caused them to develop diabetes by the time they reached 18, 19, 20, or 30 years old. This is why education and prevention are so vital.

(17) Beer billboards now account for only 17% out of 6,000 billboards

In the past, the Royal Government has introduced several measures to encourage change. For instance, regarding alcohol and energy drinks, there is a working group led by His Excellency Neth Pheaktra. I brought together His Excellency Chheang Ra, His Excellency Hem Vanndy, and Her Excellency Cham Nimul to form an ad hoc task force to work alongside advertising agencies as well as manufacturers of energy drinks and beer products.

Citizens across the country driving through the provinces, or along national roads and major highways, have probably noticed that these massive billboards now feature mostly bottled water or other products instead. Have you wondered where all those alcohol drinks went? In the past, people complained that alcohol ads could be seen everywhere… this change did not happen by accident. We have been actively working on it.

Starting from July 2024, we began phasing them out—especially the giant billboards along the roads. Beer manufacturers and advertising agencies stepped up to participate in reducing them. Currently, beer ads make up only 17% out of those 6,000 billboards. They have been swapped out for bottled water and other items, because these companies produce beer alongside bottled water and various other beverages. So, they just switched the products featured in the ads.

This drop in advertisement coverage is not accidental; it is because the Royal Government took action, combined with cooperation from the private sector in managing public broadcasting. If you look at the large billboards spanning across roads now, the vast majority no longer feature them. Previously, we saw an overwhelming amount of beer and energy drink ads.

(17) October 1, 2026 – Complete end to the production of alcoholic and energy drinks with pull-tab ring rewards

Second, we are completely putting an end to the production of alcoholic and energy drinks that feature reward prizes hidden under the pull-tab rings, implemented starting from this October 1st. Moving forward, manufacturing products where you pop the lid to win prizes is no longer permitted. Clear out all remaining stock. Advertisements must change to something else. Feature bottled water or put rewards on other items instead of alcoholic beverages. We are ending the promotion of these incentives, including prizes under bottle caps for energy drinks.

This measure is not about banning people (from drinking entirely). Some individuals suggested issuing a mandate to completely ban the consumption of alcohol. I asked, how could we enforce that? Our country practices Buddhism, so what grounds do we have (to implement a total ban)? Even when making offerings to the spirits, people include alcohol. Consume it, but do not consume it excessively […] Pchum Ben is coming up soon. How many of you are determined not to touch a single can of alcohol during Pchum Ben? About 2 out of 2,000 people.

In various countries—except for nations with strict religious prohibitions—the focus is always on education regarding proper, non-excessive, and responsible consumption. Do not drink and drive. Cars are manufactured with four or six seats, but there is only one driver’s seat. If we are drunk, we should sit in any of the other seats. Better yet, just sleep right where you are. I have met many people who party heavily, and they all ensure they have guest rooms where safety comes first.

It is about responsible consumption and reducing public exposure to marketing. If we allow them to sell, we must allow them to advertise. We are scaling back by steering away from aggressive ad placements and pull-tab ring prizes, shifting instead toward reasonable promotions and incentives. We are not trying to kill the private sector. If the domestic private sector collapses while our citizens continue to drink just as before, products will simply be imported from abroad anyway. Therefore, we support domestic production and manage the quality and manufacturing process, but it must be kept at a level that prevents excessive abuse.

(19) Rejecting investments in electronic cigarettes (Vapes) and opposing cannabis cultivation in Cambodia

Third, regarding electronic cigarettes (Vapes). We have observed a surge in usage, particularly among young people. This is an issue where, as a matter of principle, clear measures have been laid down. First, I have publicly announced and instructed all relevant ministries—whether the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC), the Ministry of Commerce, or officials meeting with foreign delegates—that if anyone requests to manufacture electronic cigarettes or vapes in Cambodia, it must be prohibited; we will not accept this investment. This applies even if they intend to produce strictly for export. We must not allow it at all. Even production for export is problematic because simply controlling imports is already difficult enough for us, let alone handling domestic production.

Furthermore, even before assuming office as Prime Minister, I established a firm principle of opposing any intent to cultivate cannabis in Cambodia. There was lobbying when people saw Thailand cultivating it for medical and healthcare purposes, claiming that the plant helps relieve pain. It is true that some countries use it. In the United States, certain states permit its use. Canada recently legalized it. Thailand has also authorized it. Consequently, there was a trend of people coming to request permission here. Companies from China and elsewhere wanted to invest, and there were even considerations to look into legislative amendments […] But I stated that it is absolutely not allowed. We cannot control it. Can we honestly manage the cultivation of cannabis?

(20) Banning the import, trade, distribution, and advertisement of electronic cigarettes or HTPs nationwide

They claimed that they would cultivate and regulate it strictly for export to sell abroad, just like Canada does. But I maintained that we could not control it, because if it is grown right here, it will inevitably leak out, and our own people will start smoking it. So I rejected it. Now, the outcome is exactly as I predicted. Thailand has begun tightening restrictions because they could not control it. The initial intention was to use it for medical purposes, but now people are smoking it in public spaces because it was removed from the narcotics list. Now there are issues. Their government is beginning to crack down again because once it was implemented, use and smoking became rampant in public. It deviated from the original concept; they could not control it. People have overdosed. Some people smoke it—not just casually or in small amounts to relieve pain—but to “Get high.” Translated, it means soaring high to heaven. When they smoke it, they experience hallucinations.

I have never smoked that stuff myself, but back when I was at the military academy, there was a civilian event where we were deployed to provide security inside a theater hall. Just opening the door, the smell alone made me dizzy and disoriented. My friend told me, “That right there is getting high.” We got a headache just from the smell wafting out whenever the doors opened and closed. Electronic cigarettes follow the same pattern. Recently, His Excellency Neth Savoeun, on behalf of the National Authority for Combating Drugs, requested a policy directive to ban the import, trade, distribution, and advertisement of electronic cigarettes or HTPs (Heated Tobacco Products) across the entire country. This includes a total ban on the use and smoking of electronic cigarettes everywhere, particularly in educational institutions, public areas, recreational venues, restaurants, and nightclubs […]

(21) Vapes are claimed to contain no nicotine and help smokers quit, but when kids use them, they create habits and problems

The Ministry of Education has also issued directives prohibiting their use around schools, and these must be strictly enforced. This directly impacts public health and the well-being of our youth. Some argue that these devices help smokers who want to quit because they don’t contain nicotine like traditional cigarettes. However, it isn’t just used by smokers trying to quit; even children who have never smoked before are picking them up. It creates a habit and generates new problems.

People might complain that this government is too strict—that cultivating and smoking cannabis is banned, and manufacturing electronic cigarettes or smoking vapes is forbidden. I say: let them blame the government, and let them blame me as the decision-maker for being too strict by not allowing cannabis cultivation, cannabis smoking, vape manufacturing, or vaping in schools and other public places. I am willing to accept that blame rather than having millions of citizens blame me for allowing cannabis and vapes to overrun our schools… I stand with the people. I believe the vast majority of our citizens—including the parents, grandparents, and guardians of those very youths who vape or smoke cannabis—are happy that we are protecting their children from smoking cannabis or vaping.

(22) If cannabis cultivation were allowed, not just ordinary citizens but even children could experience overdoses

Right now, we don’t even allow cannabis cultivation, yet just dealing with the smuggling, transit, and tax evasion surrounding it is already creating a massive mess everywhere. It has truly become a regional issue. Sometimes busts happen here, and sometimes they happen in other countries. Illicit drugs are being trafficked, but cannabis is also being actively smuggled. We consistently see reports of this from various countries spanning from Asia all the way to Europe; it has turned into a global network.

So, if we were to permit cannabis cultivation, what kind of country would Cambodia turn into? It wouldn’t just be regular citizens overdosing; even young children would be overdosing. Do you honestly believe a 70-year-old grandfather smokes cannabis just to get “high”? It is strictly the youth who do that. And they certainly aren’t using it for pain relief either […]

I want to clarify that the Royal Government has already laid out these enforcement measures and put them into action. Regarding vapes, a series of guiding principles have actually been in place since 2014, and we recently updated them. We will continue to strictly enforce them. This directly relates to preventive healthcare and establishing public health safeguards […] In Thailand, simply removing cannabis from the narcotics list led to widespread public smoking, which generated alternative social dilemmas, forcing them to tighten restrictions once again. For our youth, our medical teams, and our medical students—none of you want to get high on that. If you want to get “high,” get high on the joy of receiving your degree today instead; don’t get high on cannabis or vapes.

(24) HIV infection rates are trending upward; please be cautious as there is still no cure

Regarding food sales around schools, please avoid items containing too many of those chemical ingredients, fried foods, or excessive energy drinks—especially for young children who consume these energy beverages. Adults are different, but for children, we must be highly cautious, and parents must monitor this closely. Sometimes, just to stop a child from crying, parents buy them sweet things. If a child drinks 5 to 6 cans a week, or one to two cans a day, they are definitely headed for trouble. I am not sure how many cans our doctors would say is the limit, but I know that amount is too much. That is pure sugar. The body cannot burn it all off. Since they are children, it builds up in their bodies over time and turns into a disease. Once they develop diabetes, it stays with them for life, as there is no medication that can cure it completely. Is His Excellency Ieng Mouly here today? HIV/AIDS infections seem to be rising again. The other day, we (saw that the HIV infection rate) spiked. (Previously, we saw that) it had dropped to a very low number toward the end. Now, it is spreading again. As the disease becomes “tamer”—meaning fewer people are dying from it—people grow careless. Please be cautious… there is still no cure for it. Diabetes follows the exact same pattern […]

(25) Year 2026 – The state subsidizes 816 out of 1,114 schools; Year 2028 – The state will fully sponsor all 1,114 schools

In 2026, out of these 1,114 schools, the World Food Program assists 298 schools, while our state covers 816 schools. Moving toward the year 2028, our state must take full responsibility for these 1,114 schools, meaning we will provide the entire budget to support children in primary schools, especially in rural areas, to ensure they receive adequate nutrition. We have no plans to withdraw this program; in fact, we are looking into expanding it step-by-step, combined with using state funds to purchase local agricultural products, vegetables, and other goods right from the communities to prepare meals for the children.

Currently, 300,000 children of our citizens across more than 1,114 primary schools are benefiting from this state-assisted nutrition program. We are not just preventing issues; we are actively supporting them. This reflects the Royal Government’s deep consideration for the health of our citizens—thinking from early childhood, covering everything from medication to overall health, including food.

As for the cash transfer program for pregnant women and children under 2 years of age, we have achieved full coverage up to this point. Regarding the figures, I believe I stated that at the end of 2023, only 110,000 young students were benefiting. Thus, over these 3 years, we have tripled the number, rising to 300,000 beneficiaries. This is a policy that our citizens can clearly understand as a top priority and a practical action taken by the Royal Government to help the children and youth of our people.

(26) First semester of 2026 – The state supports more than 2,250,000 pregnant women and children under 2 years of age

Second, the cash transfer program. We support our citizens who are pregnant, including formal-sector workers, families holding equity cards (poor IDs), civil servants, contract officials, intern officials, national police officers, prison officials, detainees, members of the provincial, municipal, and district councils, and commune/sangkat councils. In this first semester of 2026, the number of beneficiaries has reached over 2,250,000 people, whom the state supports from pregnancy until the child reaches 2 years of age, including female inmates in prisons. As I always say, the mothers did wrong, but the children are innocent. Therefore, we must support them.

Compared to 2023, we have seen a 103% increase over these past 3 years. By the end of 2023, we had only 1,100,000 beneficiaries. Now, it stands at 2,250,000 people. These are concrete statistics; it isn’t just empty talk about what we plan to do. These figures represent real people who are actively benefiting. Millions of people, including young children and the unborn, whose health we must prioritize to ensure they grow up healthier, free from illnesses, and safe from diabetes and other conditions. This ties right back into our preventative measures—such as our crackdowns on vapes, energy drinks, and beer promotions.

(27) As the head of the Royal Government, I have a duty to inform the citizens about the tasks achieved and those moving forward

I wanted to clarify these few points on this occasion. I am aware that this is not directly tied to the conferring of your degrees, but it is deeply relevant to the healthcare sector. Our citizens—not just those receiving degrees here today, but everyone across the nation watching via television or Facebook—have a right to receive accurate information regarding what the Royal Government is actually doing. They deserve to see true, tangible results, not just empty rhetoric. I raised these few specific angles just to keep everyone informed.

The Ministry of Health and various other ministries have already published details about these initiatives through different media outlets. Today, I wanted to summarize them briefly because they are directly linked to public health. Since we are handing out medical degrees, we talk about health. We talk within the context of education, but as the head of the Royal Government, it is my obligation to report back to the citizens regarding what we have accomplished and what we will continue to execute moving forward. Among those initiatives, I extracted just these few points that directly impact our public health.

(28) Preventing poor dietary habits and providing nutrition even before birth is to protect families from losing labor capacity and resources

If I were to bring up everything, we probably wouldn’t finish until tomorrow. Now, people might ask how this differs from the first year [of my mandate]. What do we talk about now? I say it differs from the first year because back then, I spoke about the policies we intended to lay down. By this third year, I am speaking only about the actual results we have already achieved. There is no need to look far. It means we are discussing what has been implemented and reporting this information to our citizens at every relevant forum.

Today, it is not just these 2,000 graduates here; our citizens across the entire country also want to know whether the Royal Government is doing anything else for the people’s health besides handing out degrees. I am here to inform you about the measures we have introduced, the tangible results we have achieved, and the expansion of various health coverages that millions of people benefit from. In fact, over 8 million people have already benefited, through both the Equity Cards (IDPoor) and the NSSF (National Social Security Fund) programs.

I won’t elaborate on those systems right now, but I wanted to highlight the points related to health and prevention, which we must look at from early childhood rather than waiting until someone falls ill to find a solution. Preventing poor dietary habits and securing children’s nutrition—from preschool, primary school, and even before birth—is aimed at ensuring that 17, 18, or 20 years from now, they do not suffer from chronic illnesses, weakness, a loss of labor capacity, or a drain on family resources. What we have highlighted and what we have put into action proves that the health of our people remains the top priority of the Royal Government under all circumstances […]

[4]

(29) Subsidizing fuel and electricity costs has reached nearly $500 million up to this point

During this challenging phase from 2024 leading into 2026, we have faced numerous unforeseen difficulties. Regarding the socio-economic welfare of our citizens, we have introduced a series of measures to provide assistance, which I have previously highlighted. This directly impacts the health and overall well-being of our people, with a total expenditure reaching nearly $500 million up to this point just to subsidize fuel and electricity costs. This figure does not even account for our spending on resolving other national issues.

If we had not injected state funds to stabilize prices or granted additional tax exemptions, fuel prices could have spiked by an extra 9% to 10%. We all know global fuel prices have risen, but they remain at a controlled level here because we have actively subsidized them and waived specific taxes. Where did that money come from? It was drawn from customs and import revenue.

We have to distribute our resources to every corner when unexpected expenses surge, such as those caused by global conflicts. Furthermore, the floods this year have been massive. None of these events were factored in during the initial 2026 national budget negotiations. There was no prediction that the waters this year would be high enough to wash away numerous national roads, which we now must restore. With one hand, we are cutting government revenue to relieve the daily living expenses of the general public, and with the other hand, we must tackle immediate, unpredicted crises brought on by flash floods. What else will 2027 bring? What else lies ahead between now and the end of the year? We can only hope that nothing else happens, and that all these misfortunes wash away with the floodwaters.

(30) Rationalizing the budget to solve difficulties proves that the government stands with the people under all circumstances

We can only hope for the best, but at the same time, we must prepare ourselves in case the worst happens. As the English saying goes: “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.” We certainly hope for good outcomes. When setting the budget, we projected that the economy would grow by a certain percentage, but how could we have foreseen that out of nowhere, conflicts in the Middle East would escalate and cause fuel prices to surge? We initially thought it might only last 24 to 48 hours, but nobody expected it would still be ongoing today. Then, out of nowhere, the flash floods hit. What else is next?

Lately, whenever we look at the news, all we see are reports of casualties in various countries, or outbreaks of cholera, or other rising crises. Please help keep a close eye on these developments, Brother Sambath, and you too, Brother Ra—be highly vigilant to prevent these things from entering Cambodia. Dealing with COVID-19 once was agonizing enough; we must not let other outbreaks cross into our borders. These mounting challenges do not affect us alone. Nations all across the globe are facing crises that were completely unpredictable.

Therefore, allocating, distributing, and rationalizing our resources to help resolve our citizens’ hardships at all times and in all situations proves that the government stands firmly with the people and will never abandon them. I just wanted to link that context briefly. It is only 10:00 AM right now. I know you all have dinner plans tonight, not lunch plans, so that means we still have 7 hours left to talk! Just kidding […]

(31) Unforeseen military conflicts hit us with an unplanned financial burden outside the 2025/2026 national budget planning

The military conflicts that erupted in the past were entirely unexpected. We witnessed artillery shells falling, citizens and soldiers losing their lives, destruction, hundreds of thousands of people fleeing, and communities slowly being displaced. Some places went quiet, while others became areas of high concern—such as the waiting villages and refugee encampments along the borders, particularly the less-discussed settlements in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces. We have had to rebuild schools, health centers, and pagodas. All of this remains fresh in our memories and has created a massive administrative burden that the government had to address outside of our initial 2025 or 2026 strategic budget plans. But what choice did we have once it arrived?

Some critics went so far as to accuse Cambodia of provoking these border clashes… But on May 28th, they came and opened fire on our soldiers right on our own soil. What did we do wrong? Do you remember? Think of Corporal Suon Run. Did Cambodians look for trouble with anyone? Out of nowhere, they shot our soldiers on our territory. Citizens across the nation demanded a firm response.

Following that, they insulted us, claiming that Cambodia is incredibly poor and would completely collapse if cut off from external oil, electricity, or the internet. Remember that? We responded clearly: Cambodia does not seek conflict, but if you look down on us, we will take definitive action. Yet, some Cambodian compatriots still claimed, “It’s because the government acted aggressively toward them.” But isn’t this entire situation about events long preceding the arguments in June and July? This has been going on since May 28th, when they initially began pushing our people out of Ta Moan temple and other areas […]

(32) Cambodia responds solely to protect its rights, freedoms, national honor, and national sovereignty

We are not the ones who provoke trouble. I want to make this absolutely clear. We were not the ones who fired the first shot during those clashes, contrary to their accusations. Our soldiers worked incredibly hard. They crossed into our bases, our pagodas, and even our homes. I want to reassure our citizens unequivocally that Cambodia never desires war. We respond solely to protect our rights, freedoms, our national honor, and our national sovereignty.

Please do not forget that on May 28th, Cambodia did not go into hiding […] I remember landing at the airport, meeting with the Thai Prime Minister, having a meal together, sitting down to chat, and taking a selfie together. Yet, by the time I arrived in Japan for an official visit, the General Commander reported to me that they had crossed over and shot our soldiers inside our own trenches. The events escalated right from that point.

Consequently, that led to the first clash and the second clash. I do not wish to highlight or dwell on these negative events, but that was the reality of the situation. When the second wave of clashes hit, it expanded across six provinces, leaving out only Pailin. However, even the people of Pailin fled. Although there was no active fighting there, the troop movements caused a number of Pailin residents to evacuate as well. So we might as well consider it all seven provinces. The number of displaced people rose to 700,000 […]

(33) The third point of the ceasefire agreement specifies the conditions for surveying to define the border

We negotiated a ceasefire on December 27th. It is important to understand that a ceasefire does not mean we are surrendering land to anyone. The condition set forth clearly in the Joint Statement on December 27th dictates that hostilities freeze, and all forces hold their current positions. The third point dictates that we begin ground surveys to define the boundary lines—it is not up to the military to draw borders. If that third clause had been omitted, we would never have signed the document, and the fighting would have continued. But because Point 3 is there, it guarantees equity: everyone remains exactly where they stood. Their troops and our troops keep separate so we can prevent further complications.

This third provision of the agreement remains fully active; neither Thailand nor Cambodia has rescinded it. The MOU 2000 has not been revoked, and the JBC (Joint Boundary Commission) has not been dissolved. What must be done is the technical boundary mapping and surveying as originally stipulated. Furthermore, this survey is not meant to establish brand-new borders, but rather to re-verify the historical boundary lines surveyed over 100 years ago. It is already completely recorded in the historical treaties. The Procès-verbaux (PV) explicitly detail every single marker, defining where the border traces a natural waterway and where it cuts a straight line. What we lack right now is not the documentation, but practical field implementation and the political will.

(34) The US Secretary of State requests Thailand to cease actions that escalate tensions, and to maintain and implement the KL Accord

Three days ago, the US Assistant Secretary of State met with me urgently. He informed me that the US Secretary of State has already spoken with Thailand, requesting them to halt any actions that heighten tensions and to cease any maneuvers that signal an encroachment on Cambodian territory. Instead, they must uphold and implement the KL Accord, which explicitly dictates that ground surveys must follow existing treaties and agreements through the JBC mechanism.

He asked Cambodia to confirm that we would not take any actions to escalate tensions. I replied that Cambodia has never done anything to escalate tensions, and we have exercised extreme patience. Since the United States helped facilitate the KL Accord, I requested that they help push for the JBC surveys to move forward.

I want to emphasize that the joint statement signed on December 27th has not been abandoned up to this hour. We will utilize diplomatic channels and legal avenues—including invoking UNCLOS for maritime issues—resorting to international legal paths if bilateral mechanisms prove ineffective. I ask for our compatriots’ understanding on this. It takes time. Diplomatic and legal processes do not move like battlefield fighting, but they can bring a definitive end to a conflict. Fighting, on the other hand, never truly ends; we capture a position, they fight to take it back, and we fight to reclaim it again. Look at Russia and Ukraine—it has been going on for years, back and forth, with massive casualties every single day, and they cannot even recruit enough troops […]

(35) “The 5,000 houses built for displaced persons did not happen by accident; they did not build themselves”

Now, returning to the topic of that conflict, let us look at what it has left behind for us and what the government has done. Some critics have claimed, “We never see Hun Manet showing up at the front lines.” But in reality, I went to visit the displaced persons, and in some areas, I went directly to check on our soldiers at the front—I simply chose not to publish photos of it. Leaders do not always have to put on a bulletproof vest just to take photos. I went directly to the front line quietly because I did not want to cause unnecessary complications for the soldiers defending the positions. Having served in the military myself, I know that visiting without drawing attention is much better.

Back in 2008, I went all the way up to Phnom Trop when the fighting had not even concluded yet. Uncle Yim Pim asked me, “How did you manage to get all the way up here?” I went without letting anyone know, blending in just like everyone else. The opposing side could have looked through their zoom lenses and asked, “Who is that guy who looks exactly like Hun Manet?” I did not announce my arrival. I went to assess the situation firsthand without causing trouble or adding burdens to our brothers. [1]

Even when I am not physically there, we monitor the situation continuously. The 5,000 houses that have been constructed for our people were not built by coincidence, nor did they happen by themselves. If I had failed to grasp the intelligence and information on the ground, I would never have been able to lay down the policies to provide this aid to our citizens.

(36) The 700,000 displaced persons are divided into those who can return home immediately and those who require temporary relocation

Regarding the citizens we have assisted, I would like to provide some specific details to our brothers and sisters here, as well as to the public, about what that aid actually entails. To summarize on a macro level, the 700,000 displaced persons are divided into two main groups upon their return. The first group consists of those who can return to their homes immediately. Their houses are not located within the contested zones that require future boundary surveys. The second group consists of those who cannot return home immediately and require a temporary relocation period while we work out a solution.

So, how did we handle the first group? For the first group—those able to return home after the fighting ceased—we waited for two or three days following the signing of the agreement on December 27th. We did this to ensure the situation was stable and to guarantee that a truce called today wouldn’t just turn into renewed fighting tomorrow. We know how it goes; during the 21-day conflict, we experienced this. Both sides would agree to stop fighting at 7:00 PM, but by 10:00 PM, the shelling would start again, and the clashes would drag on for another three days. Therefore, we had to wait and observe […] Once we knew we could maintain the truce, and our 18 captured soldiers were released and returned to us, we saw that the situation had eased, and we began the repatriation process.

(37) Spending budget to clear remnants of war and subsidizing 1,606 families based on the level of house damage

For the citizens in the first group, before they returned home: (a) we spent over 1.6 million dollars to deploy CMAC (Cambodian Mine Action Centre) to clear unexploded ordnance from schools, houses, and health centers … (b) we helped rebuild and repair homes. These affected citizens do not live inside the forbidden red zones, but artillery shells, cluster munitions, and aerial bombardments had reached deep into their villages.

For the citizens returning to these areas, first, we provided cash subsidies to repair their houses. To those demanding to know why the government isn’t paying full compensation, let me explain that the government is providing financial assistance for rebuilding and reconstruction. For those whose homes sustained severe damage, we provided 20 million Riels per family. For those with moderate damage to their homes, we provided 12 million Riels per family. For those with minor damage, such as blown-off roof tiles or shattered glass windows, we provided 2 million Riels per family. A total of 1,606 families have received this financial subsidy.

(38) The group able to return to their villages also received additional benefits under the Poverty Classification system (Poor 1 and Poor 2 Equity Cards)

The Cambodia Veterans Association and the Association of Pensioners assisted in building brand-new houses for 39 completely destitute families, out of which we completely covered the total costs to construct entirely new homes for over 30 families. I want to clarify that this is the assistance provided for the first group of families who were able to return home. We cleared their villages to eliminate any hazards by defusing landmines and unexploded ordnance. For their damaged houses, we provided financial aid for repairs.

Furthermore, besides helping them return home, they received additional benefits: we enrolled them in the Health Equity Program, granting them the exact same benefits as holders of the Poor 1 and Poor 2 Equity Cards. Regardless of their actual economic status before, we provided this to support their ongoing recovery. We granted them 400,000 Riels per family to help them make a fresh start, alongside providing food supplies and various crop seeds across all six provinces […] nearly 9,000 families have received this allocation. This covers the first group.

In the past, our compatriots might have only noticed the “waiting villages” and assumed the state was only building those houses. But behind those pictures, what else was actually happening? We did not simply build houses and abandon them. We have continued running these support programs.

(39) For the second group across the 4 provinces, up to the present, nearly 5,000 houses have been built, costing 59 million dollars in state budget

Regarding the second group of citizens, up to the present, the state funds we have spent—excluding the budget from development partners who contributed 100 houses—amount to 59 million dollars in national budget to resolve the situation across these 4 provinces, resulting in nearly 5,000 houses built. This covers the setup of temporary shelters, the implementation of social assistance and social protection measures, and the organization of social land concession sites.

It also includes house construction, road infrastructure development, and the building of schools—even the “waiting villages” are equipped with newly built schools and health centers. Furthermore, we have connected electricity grids—even subsidizing utility bills for some areas—established clean water networks and irrigation systems, provided agricultural support, and formed agricultural cooperatives to generate sustainable income for our citizens. The job does not simply end with building houses; we have been carrying out all of these comprehensive operations on a continuous basis.

(40) Despite facing heavy operational burdens, unplanned expenditures reallocated from the 2026 budget to aid displaced families

Under our social protection framework, the government has provided a monthly cash subsidy of 100,000 Riels per family, alongside an additional stipend for each family member for a duration of one year. Each individual receives an extra 28,000 Riels. This means families receive a baseline of 100,000 Riels per month for a full year, on top of other benefits extended to them. Furthermore, in Banteay Meanchey province, where agricultural land could not be cultivated, we injected an additional 200,000 Riels per month for the families. Altogether, the package total exceeds 500,000 Riels. While it may not seem like an immense fortune, this is the concrete support delivered by the Royal Government.

I ask our compatriots to look closely at this. Even though we are navigating a high volume of crises, the government has practically shared its own meals—meaning we reallocated unplanned expenses and cut non-essential, unpredicted expenditures from certain ministries within the active 2026 budget plan to redirect those funds straight to our displaced citizens. Building these houses and infrastructure by “sharing every bites” means pulling resources out of specific ministerial courses or projects that were not strictly necessary right now and moving that money to the front lines first.

We had no way of predicting that military conflicts would erupt. We did not forecast that hundreds of thousands of people would face hardships or that thousands would lose their homes. Yet, this is exactly what we had to do. This reallocated financial package has directly supported 3,305 families in Banteay Meanchey province, 691 families (nearly 700) in Preah Vihear province, 795 families (nearly 800) in Oddar Meanchey province, and our smallest group of 27 families in Pursat province—all receiving this targeted relief.

Across these sites, we have built houses, laid down infrastructure, connected temporary water and power grids, distributed Health Equity IDPoor Cards, provided monthly cash allowances for 12 months, and mapped out pathways to restore their livelihoods. Simultaneously, we are pushing hard through diplomatic channels to demand a return to ground boundary surveys to put a permanent end to this dispute. This is the tangible, real-world crisis resolution we are delivering to our citizens.

(41) Financial institutions defer loan repayments for displaced families, waive penalty fees and interest, and cancel debts for fallen soldiers

In addition to that, following the recent armed conflict and in response to the Royal Government’s appeal, 61 financial institutions stepped in to assist by deferring monthly loan repayments—covering both principal and interest—totaling 200 million dollars for all displaced families. This means these 61 financial institutions waived payments and collectively contributed to this relief effort, while additionally waiving nearly 2 million dollars in late penalty fees.

For the soldiers actively operating directly on the front lines, 77 financial institutions deferred loan repayments for both principal and interest, totaling nearly 50 million dollars ($48 million), and waived $520,000 in penalty interest. Furthermore, 14 institutions deferred principal and interest payments totaling $320,000 and completely waived interest charges for disabled soldiers. Beyond that, 23 financial institutions completely canceled the debts of fallen soldiers.

All of these actions represent the solidarity and contributions made in response to the government’s call. I would like to express my gratitude. This does not even account for the aid provided by our private donors. This is the result of the government’s proactive planning and its appeal to the private sector to join hands in support. We have also provided direct financial compensation and support packages for fallen soldiers, as well as those who sustained minor or severe injuries.

(42) The First Lady has established a fund to provide ongoing long-term support to the families of fallen soldiers

For soldiers and police officers who lacked a roof over their heads, we constructed homes for them. My wife went down in person to hand over these houses. In some places, it got quite complicated because a soldier might have had up to three wives, but we only built one house. So we had to find a win-win solution… you understand, right? Implementing the monogamy law can be tricky with soldiers, because that law requires someone to actually file a formal complaint… What is the highest number of wives someone had? Oh! There was one who had five wives. Remarkably, all five lived together without any complaints.

In those situations, our focus is on supporting the children. In some cases, we helped enlist their children or relatives into the service. However, someone suddenly posted on Facebook claiming they were a biological child but were denied enlistment. I immediately ordered an inquiry and found out the first and second children had been enlisted, but this particular child hadn’t been processed yet. So we added one more slot.

There was a deputy divisional commander who lost his leg to a landmine. I went to visit him in the hospital. I walked into his room and saw a lady (a wife) and his child standing by his side. I greeted them and checked on his health. Then, I stepped into the next room, and as I walked into a third room, I encountered another child and a completely different lady. I was confused because she looked totally different from the first one. If that uncle hears this, please don’t say I’m gossiping about you on the microphone—I am intentionally not naming you or your military unit! He later admitted he had three wives.

Regardless, we ensure his children are well looked after. Now, those children are studying; some have enlisted in the military, and the children of police officers have joined the police force. We support them. Some are pursuing higher education. This requires long-term planning. My wife has arranged for the setup of a dedicated foundation to continuously monitor and support the families of these fallen and wounded soldiers. We cannot just show up once and disappear. We will continue to track their well-being and provide further assistance down the line whenever they need it.

(43) Some express concern merely as a form of attack to gain political mileage

The same principle applies to severely disabled soldiers. We have laid down guidelines to build houses for them in certain areas because they are heavily disabled and unable to work. For one young brother who sustained a severe brain injury and remains bedridden on a gurney, we built him a house. In some cases, we also allocate land. Beyond that, we look after our veterans and their dependents through the veterans’ housing framework under the LASED project.

Therefore, these solutions are tailored directly for this third category of people. Over the past few days, I have noticed some people raising criticisms about […] what we have managed to provide, asking our displaced compatriots to be understanding because we cannot offer full compensation […] But when it comes to the actual displaced persons on the ground, I have met with them myself. They are highly understanding. It is those who claim to be concerned from hundreds or thousands of kilometers away—and some who express concern merely as a form of attack to gain political mileage—whom I am referring to.

Some individuals, particularly those living abroad, complain that citizens’ homes originally worth hundreds of thousands of dollars in the Boeung Trakuon area were replaced with small shelters in the “waiting villages.” I say to them: if you want(the critics) to demand more, go demand it yourself. My words are directed at those specific agitators. The displaced citizens themselves already know and understand the reality. Those critics are intentionally trying to weaponize this issue to ignite anger and pain among the displaced families, making them hate the Prime Minister for speaking this way. I have already met with our displaced compatriots. Once I return from my overseas trip, I will go down to meet them further—both formally and informally. But most importantly, we will continuously monitor and follow up on everything that has been arranged for them.

(44) Displaced citizens know and understand the true value of preserving peace

Our displaced compatriots know and understand the reality. The brothers and sisters living along the border understand it perfectly. They deeply understand the hardships of war; they understand perfectly what it means when they come to fire upon our troops at the Triangle area [Mom 3]. They understand the impending risks. They understand all too well the agony and suffering caused by falling artillery shells. They understand perfectly what it is like when civilian homes are shot at. Escaping unharmed was impossible during these recent waves of conflict. They truly understand the price that must be paid to preserve peace.

The other day, I traveled to Poipet to inspect the floods because we received reports that within a few days, floodwaters would waft over from the Thai side again. While there, I met an elder at Stung Bot. Everyone who had been evacuated from Stung Bot—where artillery shells had landed in some areas, including M155 shells—told me, “The rainwater flowing over from that side is fine, we can handle it; just please don’t let their F-16 fighter jets come flying over.”

Notice how people no longer bring up the B-52 anymore? The B-52 is outdated; nowadays, people talk about the F-16. In the past, when we discussed war, we spoke about the remnants of B-52 bombings. But now, in our generation, we must pass this down to the younger generation, to our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren: we are actively living in a history that is currently being written.

(45) The people of Stung Bot: “The government has helped and has not abandoned us …”

All the residents in Stung Bot said that the floods were manageable; though it caused them some hardship, they could easily return home once it passed. However, the active fighting was a completely different story, because they live right near the flashpoints in Stung Bot and Poipet. Every single night, drones would fly over, and they never knew on which day F-16 jets would encircle them or 155mm artillery shells would rain down. Their houses are right in that vicinity. They deeply understand war. They know exactly who has helped them and what the government has provided. They expressed their gratitude that the government did not abandon them.

My earlier message was directed solely at those outside agitators—that if they want to demand full compensation, they should go demand it from Thailand themselves. The government has already done everything within its capacity to resolve this for our citizens. For houses that were severely damaged but safe to re-occupy, we provided 20 million Riels per family. Beyond that, for those unable to return, we constructed brand-new homes at an equivalent cost, fully equipped with infrastructure—connecting water, electricity, and everything else—and built newly established schools within the “waiting villages.” All of this was fully completed within a span of just six months.

(46) “Even though Hun Manet is not with them every single day,” — the government, especially the relevant provincial administrations—stands by their side

Our citizens see and understand the hardships firsthand, particularly those who were displaced. Do not try to instigate them. They tried hard to stir things up close to the election. Now that we see many of them coming out, let them do what they want, let them voice their opinions, but I want to make it absolutely clear: the displaced persons and citizens across the entire country see the reality crystal clear. This is because the citizens within the country are the ones actively participating, along with a number of patriots abroad who joined hands to mobilize support for the military and our displaced families.

They saw how the government helped evacuate them to safety—initially fleeing with whatever they could grab in a rush, then organizing temporary tents, and eventually moving them to larger, better shelters. Who was it that stepped up to provide food supplies during those moments of severe hardship? Who was it that provided medical treatment to citizens suffering from smoke inhalation, shrapnel wounds, and other injuries? Who was it that worked tirelessly to build safe havens and elevated safety hills for the public? Who was it that helped organize houses, villages, and land plots to give them a temporary community? In Banteay Meanchey, we have the “waiting villages.” In total across the areas, we have covered nearly 5,000 families and built 5,000 houses.

They can clearly see that the government is right there. Even though Hun Manet has not been there to live with them every single day, they know that the government—including myself, the leadership, the relevant ministries, institutions, and especially the provincial administrations involved—stands by their side every single day. They understand this completely. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our citizens […]

(47) The state’s duty is to share resources with our citizens, ensuring no one perishes without receiving aid

To those who believe the government is strictly obligated to pay full compensation, I must clarify that the state does not possess the capacity to compensate for individual private losses. For instance, in Boeung Trakuon, one individual owned a property [valued at approximately] 3 million dollars—I am not sure if it was a karaoke parlor or what. Another sister built a property worth half a million dollars. Thus, if we were to compensate just those two individuals, 3.5 million dollars would be gone instantly. If we were to aggregate everyone’s losses, full compensation is impossible, nor is it the legal obligation of the state. We provide emergency relief during wars, force majeure events, and various flash floods.

The true duty of the state is to care for and share resources with our citizens, ensuring that no one perishes without receiving aid. We help to the absolute best of our ability. We pull from here and cut from there to piece together the resources needed to help. This is the duty of the state. We distribute this aid equally, without calculating whether someone previously owned a large house or a small, poor house; everyone is treated the same. Even for those who went to work in Thailand and returned to find they had no home—and who only owned a plot of land before going—we built them a house.

This means it is the state’s duty to provide relief and show close care to our citizens and displaced families. Providing subsidies for heavily damaged houses at 20 million Riels, 12 million Riels, or 2 million Riels per house totals up to 50 to 60 million dollars spent on reconstruction, combined with the ongoing budget to support them for another 12 months. After that period, we will conduct further assessments to determine whether their livelihoods have stabilized. If not, we will consider deploying further follow-up measures […]

(48) Displaced citizens and border residents thank the government did not abandon them, but instead strove to provide aid and rehabilitation

To those who wish for the displaced citizens and border residents to hate the government because the state lacks the capacity to compensate for the full value of their houses, you have completely misunderstood and misjudged the hearts of our people. Some compatriots living hundreds or thousands of kilometers away believe that full compensation is an absolute must.

The government feels no different from our citizens. We wished with all our hearts that this military conflict had never erupted. But they crossed over and opened fire on us on the 28th, surrounded our temples, and rained artillery shells down upon us, even deploying fighter jets to destroy our infrastructure—starting first with the pagoda in the Saen Chey area, where an F-16 airstrike killed a lay minister. They dropped bombs as far as Phnom Sampeau and launched strikes that severed the limbs of our citizens in Battambang. There were citizens driving at night who took a taxi up to O’Smach and stopped to have a meal, only for two of them to be killed in the middle of the night. It was absolutely tragic and agonizing.

Our citizens living along the borders and those who were displaced understand all of these hardships. They see with absolute clarity who stepped up to truly help them. Did the government ever abandon them? They are deeply grateful because: first, the state did not abandon them; second, at every single step, the government consistently strove to provide aid; and third, it has actively helped rehabilitate their lives. Even though the replacement houses could not match their original homes, providing them with decent, safe shelter has given them comfort and stability during this short recovery period. It may not be identical to their original homes, but it has provided crucial temporary relief.

(49) Defending our territory and protecting our citizens remain our ultimate priorities; uplifting the health and capacity of our people remains our vital focus

The state is working tirelessly through negotiations to reclaim our territory. In the future, this may allow our citizens to return to their original lands. Our people see this clearly. The citizens across the entire country see this clearly. Therefore, if anyone tries to twist my words by cutting and pasting snippets out of context—even though we live in an advanced era of technology… I want to make it absolutely clear that this message is intended for those who look to dissect my statements, particularly certain individuals abroad who seek to score cheap political points.

Some compatriots, both abroad and within the country, might not understand the full scope of what happened and simply join the bandwagon of critics. I am not stopping anyone; if they want to criticize, let them criticize. However, let the records be perfectly clear regarding the government’s dedicated care up to this very hour: it does not just begin and end with building houses, but encompasses a whole range of rehabilitation policies we have actively laid down. This directly impacts the well-being and livelihoods of our displaced families, and concerns the overall peace and security of our nation. Defending our territory and protecting our citizens remain our ultimate priorities; uplifting the health and capacity of our people remains our vital focus.

(50) Recruiting additional healthcare officials at the local level and enrolling permanent health staff to strengthen district referral hospitals …

The other day, I explicitly clarified that the Ministry of Health’s budget has not decreased at all. It continues to rise. A few months ago, critics spread rumors that we were slashing the education and health budgets to increase military and national defense spending. Yet, after final budget negotiations, the health budget actually increased to nearly 700 million dollars.

We are actively focusing on recruiting additional healthcare officials at the local level and enrolling permanent health staff into state frameworks to boost the capacities of health centers and health posts, as well as looking into strengthening our district referral hospitals. The medical professionals graduating here today will be able to go out and work across different provinces. We are also driving investments to attract more private sector involvement so that all of you will possess the capacity and opportunity to fulfill your core aspirations—saving human lives and curing people—which you have worked so hard to study for up to this very hour.

I will add just this much […] I wanted to take this opportunity to clarify these points for the assembly regarding the comprehensive measures the Royal Government has introduced to protect public health, prevent diseases, and provide financial subsidies and top-up support to safeguard public health. This is exactly what the government has accomplished and will continue to execute moving forward […]./.