Franco-Cambodian Parliamentary Delegation Delivers Aid Amid Thai Border Tensions

Amid border tensions with Thailand, a joint delegation from the Franco-Cambodian Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Cambodian National Assembly left a strong impression this weekend in Siem Reap province.

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, it conducted a humanitarian visit to 200 displaced families temporarily sheltered in Puok district, northwest Cambodia, distributing rice and essential goods as emergency aid.

The French delegation was led by Thomas Lam, president of the Franco-Cambodian Parliamentary Friendship Group. It joined forces with a Cambodian delegation headed by Chheang Vun, president of the National Assembly's Commission on Economy, Finance, Banking, and Audit.

Chheang Vun took the opportunity to convey messages of support and appreciation from the president of the National Assembly, Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary. These words were addressed to the armed forces deployed in border areas, provincial authorities, and Siem Reap officials. He recalled that the National Assembly leadership pays constant attention to the security and well-being of civilians and defense forces, while pursuing efforts for peace and social stability through parliamentary diplomacy.

A prior meeting with the Siem Reap governor

The mission had begun the day before, on Friday, February 27, with a courtesy visit to the provincial governor of Siem Reap, H.E. Prak Sophoan. Accompanied by Chheang Vun and national deputies representing the Siem Reap constituency, the French delegation was received at the provincial palace. Prak Sophoan outlined the province's geographical features and economic potential, particularly in agriculture and tourism, thanks to its abundance of historic temples and natural attractions.

He highlighted the long-standing cooperation between Siem Reap and France, including twinning arrangements with four French provinces and cities. The areas covered are diverse: vocational training in hospitality and tourism, sustainable agricultural development projects for poor households, environmental management, urban beautification along the Siem Reap River, water treatment facilities, temple restoration, and cultural heritage research conducted by French institutions.

The governor also briefed the delegation on the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border. Thai incursions have displaced around 150,000 civilians, who have taken refuge in secure areas of Siem Reap province. Following a ceasefire agreement, some displaced residents have returned home, while others remain in temporary shelters due to property damage and security concerns, including the presence of unexploded ordnance. Prak Sophoan expressed hope that this visit would help relay the difficulties faced by Cambodian civilians to the French Parliament and the international community.

Thomas Lam responded that the delegation's goal was to strengthen cooperation between Cambodia and France, particularly through partnerships between Siem Reap and French local authorities. He praised the progress of joint projects and stated that the delegation would share information on the border situation and displaced civilians with French parliamentarians and international partners.

Aid distribution and infrastructure inspection

During the visit, the delegation toured cooperation project sites and went to around 200 displaced families in Puok district, where it distributed humanitarian assistance including food supplies and financial support, according to provincial authorities.

The day concluded with an inspection of the O’Chik bridge in Srey Snam district, recently damaged in a Thai airstrike. This step aimed to assess the impact on civilian infrastructure, illustrating the direct effects of hostilities on Cambodians' daily lives.

This parliamentary mission, blending immediate aid and diplomatic advocacy, highlights joint efforts to alleviate human suffering amid ongoing tensions, while strengthening Franco-Cambodian ties.