One year after the outbreak of border hostilities between Cambodia and Thailand, hundreds of displaced families are continuing to rebuild their lives at the Green Takoeng Village in Preah Vihear province. The settlement was established to house 645 families who were forced to abandon their homes in the “red zone” villages of An Ses, Techo Morakot, Techo Bos Sbov, and Sen Techea due to ongoing security concerns and military occupation.
Preah Vihear Deputy Provincial Governor Min Sitha noted that the village was constructed within a single month to transition families from temporary shelters in local pagodas to more stable housing. The provincial administration currently provides residents with electricity, clean water, and monthly financial aid, supplemented by food supplies from the government and charitable organizations. To foster long-term self-sufficiency, the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank is introducing projects in livestock, vegetable cultivation, and fish farming, with initial agricultural training already underway.
Despite these efforts, the psychological impact of the conflict remains significant. Residents describe enduring trauma from artillery shelling, with many children still struggling with the emotional aftermath. To address these needs, the Transcultural Psychosocial Organization is providing counseling services, and educational facilities are being expanded to support the more than 280 children living in the settlement.
While the new village offers safety and essential services, many displaced residents express a strong desire to return to their original properties. “I have not abandoned my home, farmland or property. I miss them and want to return,” said Yan Yet, a resident who fled during the initial fighting on July 24. Government officials continue to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the border dispute through international law, which would allow these families to return to their ancestral homes.
Source: Khmer Times
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