AKP Phnom Penh, November 16, 2025 -- A sprawling Buddhist pagoda in Cambodia's Banteay Meanchey province has become an emergency hub for more than 800 families displaced by a deadly shooting incident along the Cambodian-Thai border earlier this week, as of this morning. 

Wat Chan Sy Samaky Ratanaram, located in O’ Beichoan commune, O’ Chrov district, is currently providing shelter and critical humanitarian aid to hundreds of residents who fled their homes after a border clash that resulted in one death and three injuries.

The mass evacuation began following a violent incident on Nov. 12 in Prey Chan village, O’ Chrov district. The displaced residents are relying on the pagoda's shelter, supported by local authorities and charitable donors.

Most of the families originated from high-risk villages across O’ Chrov district, including Prey Chan, Chouk Chey, Banteay Thmey, Prasat, and O’ Beichoan, as well as Chamkar Kor village in the adjacent Svay Chek district.

While no further armed incidents were reported on Nov. 13 and 14, officials confirmed that the alert level remains high in Prey Chan and Chouk Chey. Authorities reported that all residents have been fully evacuated from Prey Chan, and some families from Chouk Chey have also chosen to relocate, though many others remain at home while monitoring the situation.

Banteay Meanchey Provincial Governor Oum Reatrey confirmed the provincial administration’s active involvement in the relief efforts. “Provincial authorities have prepared the necessary facilities to ensure their well-being, arranging accommodation and providing essential supplies,” he said.

The Governor added that the swift response reflects the Royal Government’s deep concern, citing the deployment of national and provincial leaders and donors who are delivering continuous food and financial assistance. “The Royal Government will not allow any citizen to struggle without solutions during this sensitive time,” he affirmed.

Despite leaving behind their homes, farmlands, and daily livelihoods, displaced families staying in the pagoda expressed profound gratitude for the rapid assistance.

Inside the pagoda compound, where tents have been erected to house the refugees, one tearful villager from Prey Chan shared her experience. “We were terrified. But upon arriving here and seeing the provincial authorities, including the governor, prepare shelter and provide food immediately, we felt deeply grateful,” she said. “Without this support, we would not know how to survive—we fled with nothing.”

Chan Sy Samaky Ratanaram pagoda is now a focal point of both hope and uncertainty. While the displaced families remain anxious about the situation, they are optimistic that border stability will return soon, allowing them to resume their normal lives. Until then, safety, shelter, and food assistance are paramount as they await a return to peace.

By K. Rithy Reak