Thank you, His Excellency Khoy Rida, Governor of the Pursat Provincial Board of Governors, for the report. Greetings to Excellencies, Lok Chumteav, ladies, gentlemen, and senior officials present today, and especially to all the uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters who have come to join this gathering and receive some assistance for the affected citizens!

(1) Visiting Pursat Three Times in One Year: Celebrating Connections, Rebuilding, and Relief

This year, I have come to Pursat three times. The previous two times were to inaugurate achievements and a school in Veal Veng, and the other day, to inaugurate National Road No. 10. Today, I have come to meet the citizens to address the impacts caused by the floods. In the case of Pursat, it is not just about floods. A moment ago in Bakan and other areas, before the excess water arrived, there was also a lack of water and drought… (which led to interventions in) water management and saving the citizens. These three visits encompass building more schools and inaugurating the road connecting Koh Kong, Pursat, Battambang, and Pailin to bring economic benefits to the people of Pursat. However, when times are difficult, we come as well. We stay together through both good and happy times, and we stay together during difficult times. It is just like being husband and wife, dear grandfathers, grandmothers, uncles, and aunts.

(2) The Relationship between citizens and the Government led by the Cambodian People’s Party is like husband and wife

On my wedding day, they served food with seven flavors. Is that right? Bitter, sour, astringent, and sweet—meaning family life is like that. For the citizens and the government, it is just like husband and wife. Every five years, grandfathers and grandmothers vote to choose those who serve the people, just like choosing a husband or wife. Once we receive this duty, trust, and love, we must stay together—regardless of hardship, cold, heat, water shortages, or floods—and the Royal Government will help. Whether it is a lack of schools, roads, or building the economy, we strive hard. If there is a lack of jobs, we create jobs. When someone falls ill, we help organize health centers and provide equity cards. This is the government led by the Cambodian People’s Party standing with the people, just like husband and wife. We do not abandon each other; especially when there are difficulties, we stay together. This is the truth. Today, I am meeting over 7,000 families present here, representing more than 10,000 families (with some families living far away unable to attend). But assistance must reach everyone.

(3) Government Working Groups to Cooperate with Local Authorities to Deliver Food and Relief to the Local Communities

This year, floods and natural disasters have affected more than 130,000 families. The other day in Battambang, I met 10,000 families. Today, I am meeting 7,000 families. Therefore, only another 120,000 families remain. Even if I cannot visit in person, so you do not have to wait too long, the government working groups cooperating with local authorities will bring food and relief directly to all our uncles, aunts, and brothers and sisters in their localities. A moment ago, I told His Excellency Kun Kim not to wait for me. Go immediately. This gathering is symbolic. But what is most important is the love and care of the government, party leaders, Samdech Techo, other leaders, and the government in taking care of citizens in every province. We have 130,000 affected families across 7 provinces. I have met more than 10,000 families in person, and for the remaining families, we must figure out how to help them, especially to resume cultivation as quickly as possible.

(4) Beyond Food, We Must Promote the Distribution of Rice Seeds and Crop Seeds to Complete Cultivation by No Later Than Mid-November

The Ministry of Agriculture must step in to help because we are now forecasting and mitigating El Niño risks. Therefore, intensified cultivation must be completed at the latest by mid-November this year to prevent crops from failing at the end of the season due to water shortages downstream. Thus, we must strive hard (to distribute promptly) without waiting […] for whatever needs to be helped, especially seed rice and crop seeds that need to be planted. Food is one thing, but we must promote cultivation. We are constantly working on the ground on this matter. Thank you to the provincial authority and local, district, and commune authorities for helping the citizens, both in organizing this morning and with all past hardships. Cooperating with the Party’s strengthening committees, His Excellency Keo Rottanak here has reported to me constantly. In the previous mandate, he was in charge of Krakor and Kandieng. In this mandate, he has taken over and continued the work from His Excellency Suy Sem, who served as the provincial working group chairman in the previous mandate. Thus, the government has continued its support across all mandates since 1979.

(5) Continuing to Face Challenges Caused by Natural Disasters, Border Closures, and Border Clashes

Thank you to all law enforcement and armed forces of all types in the province for your participation, regardless of the fighting at the border—Pursat, along with the other 7 border provinces, has been affected, except for Pailin, which is the luckiest and untouched by the fighting. We hope it remains unaffected. During the first round of clashes, many provinces like Koh Kong were unaffected. By the second round, they were impacted too. We hope that recovery efforts will continue and that severe situations will not confront the people living along the border. The hardships are not over yet. Difficulties from natural disasters on one hand, and difficulties from border closures and border clashes on the other, are ongoing challenges. The people of Pursat in Thma Da and those areas have also been impacted to some extent—though less than in Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, and Preah Vihear—but it is an impact nonetheless. These are the problems the people of Pursat have experienced.

(6) Continuing Diplomatic Struggle to Resolve Territorial and Sovereignty Issues and Prevent Unnecessary Suffering and Deaths of Citizens

Adhering to the law so that the people do not continue to suffer and die pointlessly. As long as options remain, we continue to choose them. Do not abandon them. The Royal Government strives to protect territory and use all means to resolve issues. At the same time, we continue our work and move forward. This is the strength and resilience of the Cambodian people. Some people, the moment we smile, say we only think about smiling and do not care about losing land. Regarding the loss of territorial control and sovereignty, we continue to resolve it, work on negotiations, and persist in diplomatic and legal struggles so that the people do not continue to suffer and die pointlessly. While choices remain, we continue to choose them. Do not abandon them. The Royal Government tries to protect territory and use all means to resolve issues. It may take a long time. It is not as easy as thinking it will be resolved tomorrow, day after day. Even His Majesty the King struggled; back in the 1960s, going to court took decades as well. We strive to find the fastest way to resolve things as quickly as possible. It is not just about saying it must be done this way or that way. We have formulas, methods, and many tasks to perform. Most importantly, the government does not have just this single issue; we have the livelihoods of the entire country’s population to manage. We are not sitting in a four-by-one-meter room in Europe day after day, simply writing and posting on Facebook asking why we do not sue or why we do not do this or that.

(7) Striving to Ease Burdens, Not Create Additional Ones, and Saving Money to Develop and Solve Challenges for the Citizens

I see that crooked fellow—they call him “Seven-Tenths” now. He says I insult him. If you insult me, you expect me not to insult you back? Calling him that is well-deserved. He is crooked in his heart. Whatever we do is wrong. Citizens celebrate the New Year, and he calls them cicadas […] We continue our efforts to ease burdens and not create additional burdens. War is the creation of additional burdens. Citizens’ homes and the national budget have to be spent. We save that money to use for further development and to solve various challenges for the citizens, such as healthcare needs and helping children. Yesterday, I met with the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. I told her that Cambodia not only opposes and prevents child abuse, but also cares for children even before they are born. Currently, 2.3 million people benefit from cash transfer programs, including incarcerated individuals. Pregnant women who are imprisoned and their newborn children continue to be supported by us. We save money to buy food and distribute it to solve problems for citizens facing difficulties. We save money to intervene during droughts. The Ministry of Water Resources deploys water pumps to help.

(8) “Peace Has Real Value Only When It Is Lost”… Losing the Economy Is One Thing, But Losing Peace Means Losing Life’s Equilibrium

When our territory is violated, we do not forget. We continue to resolve it, but using legal and diplomatic methods to end it. This is our principle. I still speak in today’s program, and I must speak by all means about the value of peace. We truly know the value of the word peace when it is lost. Ask the people of Thma Da what it is like when peace is lost. Losing the economy is one thing, but losing peace means losing life’s equilibrium—meaning artillery shells are flying in without knowing when they will hit your house, creating greater difficulty and uncertainty about whether you can return home or whether everything is destroyed. We do not want such an event to happen. The phrase “Thank you, peace” becomes even more valuable at this stage, especially after we fought during the clashes a year ago. Striving to resolve things peacefully is the principle Cambodia adopts—resolving matters through the legal path. It takes a little time, but we continue to do it; it cannot be resolved by tomorrow.

(9) “A Little Longer, But Resolving It Fully Is Good … Fast, But Incomplete … Fighting Back and Forth Will Never End”

Legal and diplomatic terms do not mean solely filing lawsuits… There are many actors internationally—international governments, ASEAN mechanisms, the United Nations, and courts […] There are many actors and many choices to choose from. The Royal Government carefully considers this. When do we walk, and where do we walk? But the ultimate goal is to solve problems quickly so they do not drag on for decades. If this option resolves the issue completely, it is good. Even if it takes a little longer to resolve completely, it is good. If it is fast but does not resolve the issue, it takes forever. The option of fighting—striking back and forth—never ends. We must leave breathing room to solve problems for the citizens, especially their economic livelihoods, which are affected by the global situation. Yesterday, there was an election in the United States. The big topic was not the fighting in Iran, but rather how it affects oil reserves and prices in America.

(10) “Up to This Hour, the State Has Spent Over $600 Million to Stabilize Oil Prices”

We strive to solve problems. Up to this hour, we have spent over $600 million to stabilize oil prices. Prices have surged indeed, but if we had not spent money to reduce and waive taxes and duties on companies importing oil, prices would have been even higher than they are now. The other day, I asked for consideration: if we had not helped by easing certain taxes and duties for oil companies, a liter of diesel would be 900 Riels higher than it is currently, and gasoline would be 600 Riels higher. Going up by that much is already difficult, let alone allowing it to rise higher than that (which would be extremely hard). Such assistance is part of our concerted efforts, combined with easing various pressures. Citizens suffering from pressure have received cash handouts numbering in the millions.

(11) Over $200 Million Will Enter Citizens’ Pockets Through the Cash-for-Work Program with the World Bank

Yesterday, I just approved a project worth over $270 million to be implemented over 18 months. We are working with the World Bank to reallocate funds within road construction projects implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Water Resources, and the Ministry of Rural Development. Previously, we deployed machinery to build roads, a project spanning five years. Now, we have negotiated it down to 18 months. What are we reallocating? We are taking these funds of over $200 million to build roads and infrastructure just the same, but instead of using machinery, we contract with communities to provide jobs for local people. These funds of over $200 million will not just go to road-contracting companies, but will go directly to people in the community—especially those returning from Thailand or any citizens needing extra income—while also building infrastructure within our homeland… Over $200 million will go into the pockets of citizens participating in the Cash-for-Work program.

(12) 18 Months Starting from Early 2027: Citizens Participate in Road Building “Both Getting Roads and Money in Their Own Pockets”

Previously, the Ministry of Rural Development deployed machinery to build a single road. Now, some villagers living nearby can participate in building it and earn a monthly salary for helping construct the road. Within a month or two, they get their own road and money in their pockets too. We have rolled out this principle. These hundreds of millions, if spent on fighting, would be gone in a single day, but it is much better to use them to stimulate short-term job creation while we are being affected by inflation. This project will be implemented immediately. We will not wait five years. It is deployed to be executed over an 18-month period starting from the beginning of 2027. Thank you, His Excellency Academician Aun Pornmoniroth and the Policy Committee, for thinking comprehensively alongside relevant ministries and institutions.

(13) “Attracting Investment to Create Jobs Is What We Have Been and Are Doing, Not Something We Will Do or Just Think About”

At this hour, we are not standing still. What are we helping with? Implementing programs, making principles, making policies… Spending $500–$600 million in subsidies and waiving taxes for oil companies to lower oil prices. EDC, which is under the Ministry of Mines and Energy, has also spent nearly $70 million so far to stabilize electricity prices. All of these are state resources. EDC is an autonomous entity, but its funds are also under the oversight of the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the government… It is like taking from one pocket to subsidize another. If citizens face hardships, the state must step in and help anyway. We help stabilize things so they do not suffer too much. They keep money in their pockets… Not only do we help ease burdens, but we also launch new programs and enhance training to help build working capacities. We are working hard to find jobs for citizens returning from Thailand, attracting additional investment, and injecting hundreds of millions of dollars to directly create short-term jobs. This is what we have been doing, not what we will do or are thinking of doing. It has already been signed; it has been planned for months.

(14) The Government Will Stay with the People No Matter What Unexpected Disasters Occur

We will continue to seek further solutions, especially if unexpected problems happen. The government stays with the people, such as during floods and droughts. We did not forecast major floods this year, but now the floods are large. We cannot negotiate with Indra or negotiate with God to stop opening the floodgates too much. Even His Excellency Sok Lu, whom people say is the biggest “Lu” (drain/Governor Lu) in Cambodia, cannot hold back the water because his province was flooded too. Do you understand the joke about which province has the biggest “Lu”? People say the province with the biggest Lu is Battambang. Some people wonder: standard drains have a diameter of 1 meter or 2 meters? No, Battambang has a provincial governor named Sok Lu. They say the biggest drain in the province is the governor himself, aside from those at the national level… I thank the relevant ministries and institutions that have worked hard to pay attention not only to immediate flood responses, but also to seeking preventive measures.

(15) The Pursat River Hydropower Dam Retains 1,000 M Cubic Meters of Water, Helping Prevent Flooding in the City

We have built thousands of kilometers of canals nationwide. Now, hundreds of kilometers have been built in our western and northwestern directions. In other directions, we continue to build and prevent. Water storage and irrigation systems are combined with hydropower in some places. Just like in Pursat, this year it flooded more than anywhere else… The water flooded too, larger and heavier than usual, but Pursat flooded less and the water arrived slower. I came to inaugurate Road No. 10 in Veal Veng on October 1st. His Excellency Khoy Rida said that up to this month this year, Pursat had not flooded yet, especially the provincial town. Previously, whenever Banteay Meanchey and Battambang flooded, Pursat flooded too. The hydropower dam we built on the Pursat River (capable of retaining) 1,000 million cubic meters of water has played a major role in preventing floodwaters from inundating the city. Of course, later on, Battambang also opened its discharge gates, so we experienced some flooding as well.

(16) Dam No. 2 in Pursat Reduces Flood Risks and Mitigates Dry Season Water Shortage Risks

Dam No. 2 is currently under construction. His Excellency Thao Chenda (Thao Chetra) has also reported on the construction progress. Building this dam serves two purposes: first, to prevent, intercept, and reduce flood risks; and second, to help prevent and reduce the risk of water shortages in the dry season. The 1,200 million cubic meters of water storage, combined with Dam No. 2, will in the future help irrigate tens and hundreds of thousands of hectares of citizens’ agricultural land during the dry season. Currently, it serves as a water retention site, and later on, a canal system will connect from the dam. In the future, our country will have more irrigation systems, dams, reservoirs, and canal networks. Wherever restoration is needed, we restore; wherever new construction is needed, we build more, ensuring that we never face a lack of water in the dry season and floods in the wet season. Thank you to the volunteer working groups, party strengthening committees, philanthropists, and local authorities, district/commune authorities, and local armed forces who have consistently come down to help.

(17) “As Long as Citizens Give the Opportunity to Serve, the Cambodian People’s Party Will Implement More Policies and Never Abandon the People Under Any Circumstances”

Whether it is drought, flood, or war, we stay together. Whether it is COVID, we stay together. Whether it is citizens returning from Thailand who need jobs and social reintegration, we work together to solve it. Whether it is land shortages, if land is genuinely lacking, we solve it through social land concession schemes. I can guarantee to all citizens of Pursat and everywhere else that as long as the Cambodian People’s Party is given the opportunity by the people to continue serving them, we will implement more policies and never abandon the people under any circumstances. In good times, we are never complacent. We do more. If a school is missing, we build it. If it exists, we modernize it and create more classrooms. Where fighting stops, we push roads and development into those areas and create more jobs. When there is suffering, misery, and emergency, we are there first.

(18) “Whether Bullets Are Falling or Floodwaters Are Pushing Through, Commune Chiefs, District Governors, Sangkat Chiefs, Village Chiefs, and Armed Forces Are There First …”

At the grassroots level, whether bullets are falling or floodwaters are pushing through, commune chiefs, district governors, sangkat chiefs, village chiefs, and armed forces are there first […] Grandfathers, grandmothers, uncles, aunts, and brothers and sisters, you chose your life partner correctly by choosing the Cambodian People’s Party. Pursat is a province where every election enjoys the support of the people—you could say in some years winning first place nationwide. In 2013, I remember. In 2023, what number was it? Number one again. This means the people have faith and confidence and choose the Cambodian People’s Party, with Samdech Techo as its president… Even though the Prime Minister changed from Samdech Techo to me, the policies of the Cambodian People’s Party and the working groups of the Cambodian People’s Party remain committed to solidarity, serving the people, and continuing forward.

(19) “Going Down to Grassroots Areas Lacking Food and Needing Rice and Crops Seeds: Do Not Make Citizens Wait; Solve It Quickly”

Right now, we are facing recovery efforts. I ask, first, to help promote recultivation. The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Water Resources must inspect and promote this to the extent possible. Working groups and strengthening committees nationwide must go down to grassroots areas lacking food, needing food, seed rice, and various crop seeds to recover. Do not wait for His Excellency Kun Kim to push. Go down. We see it is already being done step by step. I am only (distributing) in these two places. From now on, preparations are underway to host the Francophonie. Please do not let the citizens wait. Meeting is good, but let us meet on other occasions. During this difficult time, please push and solve things quickly. I call on the strengthening committees and working groups to go down to the provinces and districts nationwide—especially the 7 affected provinces—to act quickly so that citizens can recover and resume cultivation at the latest by the middle of this month, leaving only two weeks remaining. If planting is too late, by the time crops yield, it will be late in the season and they might be affected by drought.

(20) “Restore Roads and Rural Development Roads … Where Repairs Are Needed, Make Them Operational and Take It as a Lesson to Plan Ahead for Future Prevention”

So, act quickly while water is still abundant. I monitor water levels in reservoirs every day with His Excellency Thao Chetra. Some places that had 50 million cubic meters of water drained almost completely. But now, with heavy water inflows, they refill quickly. This is a blessing in disguise. However, if the water stays too long, it rots things in some places. Now we must think about preparations for the end of the season and a potentially long dry season due to El Niño conditions […] How to use water sparingly and ensure it reaches the right targets. Second, the restoration of roads and rural development roads in affected provinces. I have already spoken about this. Please consider it. In Pursat, there do not seem to be as many road cutoffs. There is flooding, but roads are not washed out as much as in Battambang and other places. Nevertheless, wherever repairs are needed, we strive to make roads operational and take lessons from this time to plan preventive measures for the future. In some places, roads were built, but technical evaluations were incorrect. Therefore, when heavy water pushes through, we must change the culverts and water flow designs. Just like the dam site we saw earlier, His Excellency Thao Chetra, please study it. If we find problems we cannot predict, we must change strategies and find expertise to solve them. We must plan prevention so that after rebuilding, problems do not recur.

(21) Anyone Turning 18 Who Has Not Registered Yet, Please Go Register to Vote, Which Ends on November 30th

The third point is not related to disaster recovery, but to the rights of citizens. Please go register to vote. We opened on October 7th and end on November 30th. Those who turn 18 and older who have not registered yet, please go register because it is everyone’s right. This year is lucky—previously, only an elderly couple would go vote. This year, a daughter who just reached voting age adds another ballot. Register even if you are studying away from home; come back to register and fulfill your civic duty as a citizen. The 2027 commune/sangkat elections are important because you choose those closest to you. Now, when there is suffering or trouble, who is there first? It is the commune chief and sangkat chief. Right? Late at night, they are in the village. Choose correctly.

(22) “Faced with Hardships, Commune/Sangkat Chiefs Work Hard to Serve Citizens Is the Result of Correct Choice …”

I think over these past few years, uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters can see that during difficult times, fighting, or floods, you see commune and sangkat chiefs working hard to serve the people. This is the result of choosing the right family, choosing the right husband and wife for yourselves, uncles and aunts. This means choosing officials, commune chiefs, and commune councils who serve the people in a timely manner. If we do not have the right to vote, we cannot choose. No matter how much we love someone, we cannot do it […] Please go register to vote. Some citizens can check their voter lists again. Those who changed addresses can request a change. This applies not just to Pursat, but everywhere. We only have 25 days left. Registering this year is more important than last year because it is the final year to register before the commune/sangkat elections. To get the right to vote in June next year, you must register, fulfill your duty, and bring your ID card to process it.

(23) “Not Just Asking Citizens to Vote when Elections comes and Disappearing After the Elections …”

It is our right in a democratic regime. The Cambodian People’s Party does not hold a gun to citizens’ heads. It is not about asking citizens to vote close to elections and then disappearing afterwards. We continue to work […] The commune/sangkat councils of the Cambodian People’s Party that you gave the opportunity to in 2022/2023 have served the citizens, especially during all the difficult phases I mentioned a moment ago. This is just a small example of how the Cambodian People’s Party serves the people. I ask uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters to register—especially the youth who recently turned 18 and are eligible to vote—please go register before November 30th so you have the right to be masters of the country and choose those who serve us. Speaking of elections, let me continue a bit. We have a Constitution. The government must be formed through elections every 5 years: commune/sangkat elections, national elections, parliamentary elections, and members of parliament. The winning party is assigned by His Majesty the King to form the cabinet and submit it to the National Assembly for a vote of confidence to establish a government.

(24) “Unable to Win Against the Father, Now Wants to Fight the Second Generation of the Cambodian People’s Party…”

By coincidence, we see the same group abroad […] the illegal government of October 23rd. They held an election to choose a prime minister. I call veteran politician Samsey (Sam Rainsy)… He fought politically against Samdech Techo for decades and never became prime minister because the people did not support him. I said he couldn’t win against my father, and now that the Cambodian People’s Party has transitioned to the second generation, he is still there. He couldn’t win against Samdech Techo even in his 70s, and now he wants to fight people in their 40s and 50s. Seeing no chance to form a government and become prime minister himself, he creates the illegal October 23rd government and appoints himself prime minister. Then they organized an election… saying over 1,000 voters participated. They voted to get members of parliament. Look at their government appointments: those in charge of traveling sectors are all experts at insulting people on Facebook, including the head of the border institution who doesn’t even know how to read maps, accusing the government of cutting border posts and giving away land—Post 52, Post 59. When called upon to show evidence, he says, “No! I have no documents, I heard it said, and ultimately, I have special intuition.”

(25) “… Accusing the Government Regarding Border Posts 52 and 59 … Now Come and Show It So People Know Who Is Right and Who Is Wrong …”

It is unheard of for the head of an institution to use special intuition to make maps. Who did he go measure with? They said watch television; they have special intuition to see it instantly. If the government were like that—where even our specialized border officials don’t know how to read maps and only after seeing some copies accuse others of losing land, ultimately having to fly to France to ask for maps to look at. Sending messages through someone to try and make me answer. I said I will not answer him. Stop talking. I saw this fellow speaking into a microphone, talking back and forth and negotiating with me like a tortoise. Go listen to the message again. I have no time to back-and-forth and argue with you. I posted an explanation to an uncle who wanted to know about it, but it was not a negotiation. He accuses the government of losing land at Posts 52 and 59. Come and present it so the people know who is right, who is wrong, and who has what basis. Border negotiation is a technical matter. It is certainly about measuring with Thailand based on treaties and conventions dating back to 1907, and border work in 1908 and the 1910s… when the French-Siamese geographical team went down to measure. They set border posts and wrote down principles in PVs (Procs-Verbaux) to define the line. There are river lines, water routes, and straight lines with specific points.

(26) “Raising the Issue of Border Posts to Stir Up Political Gain and Create Distrust … But When Called to Show Evidence, Knows Nothing at All”

Following the 2000 MOU, our working group went down to re-inspect the locations of border posts, not to set new posts. Thus, some posts that were in wrong locations were pulled back into place, like Posts 58 and 59. We work transparently. Our border officials take clear responsibility. We cannot let you sit around and cause worry among the citizens. Who doesn’t care about territory? But it’s raised by someone who knows nothing. Raising it to gain political leverage and create distrust. Because of that, we called him out to show evidence, but he knows nothing. How many parliamentarians did they elect? Over 40. I don’t know how many… An uncle in France—I saw him speak correctly. He said, “Now they say the Cambodian People’s Party is a dictatorship. But democrats have elections. How many parties participated in the elections? What are the election procedures? Is it defined by the Constitution?” Only a handful of his own people decided it. That is the definition of a dictatorship.

(27) Telling Thai Newspapers That Cambodians Fired First, Then Claiming He Didn’t Say It, Then Saying He Doesn’t Want to Fight Newspapers… Is That Not Wanting to Protect National Interests?

Who is among the opposition within his group? None really. He ran candidates only from his own group and voted only among themselves. It is quite shameful. I estimate that Cambodian citizens abroad total around 600,000. When only 1,000 voted, I consider it a self-inflicted failure. They love planting bombs and stepping on them themselves […] This recent failure involves veteran politicians who always insult the government and Cambodian troops for not knowing how to fight and shooting people… He gave an interview to a Thai newspaper saying, “Cambodians fired first too.” He accused us unfairly. Later on, he claimed he never said it. When asked why he didn’t sue the newspaper for a retraction—normally, if any newspaper publishes incorrectly, we sue them to correct it—he didn’t just say he didn’t say it […] because when he said it, that newspaper used it for propaganda inside Thailand, giving them an advantage, and some foreigners saw that even a Cambodian politician said so. Yet he dares not tell them. Why doesn’t he dare? He says he doesn’t want to fight with newspapers. But this is the national interest!

(28) “Daring to Accuse Our Soldiers, But Daring Not to Fight for a Correction from the Newspaper … If You Dare Not Protect Cambodian National Honor, What Kind of Patriotism Is That?”

They are accusing us, and he accuses his own people of firing first when our troops were not the ones who fired first. A Cambodian politician who claims to be an illegal prime minister unfairly accused us, and now he even wants to grab a seat at the United Nations. I say go ahead and take it if they give it to you—they might not even let you in, let alone sit in Cambodia’s seat […] The best thing is to hit back directly. For me, I don’t back-and-forth if you accuse me. I call you out to explain, like the border post issue, to end it. Face to face. Are you right or wrong? If he blames that Thai journalist and commentary, write directly to that person to make a correction. If they don’t correct it, fight it out. That is much clearer. He says nothing. But if he speaks evasively […] people will keep saying it because he dares not fight them, only daring to accuse our soldiers. True or not, people talk about it. Since he claims he didn’t say it, why doesn’t he demand a correction? What is there to be afraid of? He says he doesn’t want to soil his mouth with a Thai newspaper. They took Cambodian words, his words, to trample on Cambodia, and he doesn’t even dare protect Cambodian national honor. So what kind of patriotism is that?

(29) “Daring to Write a Letter Telling President Macron Not to Come to Cambodia, But Daring Not to Write a Letter Telling the Thai Newspaper to Correct Its False Report … Or Is the Person Afraid the Newspaper Will Release Real Documents?”

Just writing a letter—or you don’t even need to write a letter, just issue a message on his Facebook page where he loves to write. The other day, he dared write a letter to President Macron telling him not to come, but he didn’t dare write a letter to the Thai newspaper telling them they published and reported wrongly. Why doesn’t he dare? He only dares against the government. Is he afraid they will refute him and release real documents or something? Because the interview might be old, but that journalist also spoke up—it wasn’t a television interview; they used an old photo, but they did conduct an interview. They said it was via telephone. So perhaps the journalist has recordings. Thus, is it possible he is afraid the journalist will release them? Mr. Sam Rainsy, who claims the newspaper is one he created, why doesn’t he write directly to that journalist? The journalist already spoke out […] Mr. Sam Rainsy should disclose the name of the former diplomat or whoever he spoke with […] Write to that person and say, “When I, Sam Rainsy, spoke with you, I did not say Cambodians fired first. Please come out and correct it.” Writing just that would prove honesty, right? If it’s just exchanging witty remarks […] I won’t bother arguing.

(30) Over 70 Countries, More Than 20 Heads of State/Government Will Attend the 20th Francophonie Summit

Now, finally, I have some good news to share. Aside from war, economic challenges, and flood recovery that citizens must undertake together, there is good news. Cambodia will host for the first time in history the 20th Francophonie Summit, where up to this hour, more than 70 countries have registered, and over 20 Heads of State and Heads of Government have confirmed they will come to Cambodia. This is our pride. We are currently arranging armored vehicles (Blindé) for them. Over 20 countries, including presidents, prime ministers, and heads of state. In some places, Governors-General are coming—like Canada, where the Prime Minister cannot come in time, so Canada sends its Governor-General under the British crown. Thus, countries under the British Commonwealth all have Governors-General, just as we had Superior Residents (Residents-superieurs) during the French era. Therefore, Canada’s Governor-General will attend meetings on the 15th, and the Prime Minister will arrive on the 16th.

(31) Official Visit of the French President and Superpowers to Cambodia Demonstrates Cambodia’s Peace, Stability, and Prestige on the Global Stage

The official visit of President Macron is historic. This is the second time in Cambodia’s history […] 60 years ago, President Charles de Gaulle came in 1966. In 2026, the French President comes to participate in events and has a joint inauguration program in Siem Reap with His Majesty the King. This is a great honor for our Cambodia, of which the Khmer people should be proud. Last year, some people misunderstood and attacked Cambodia regarding scams, border wars, and insecurity. However, when more than 70 countries and over 5,000 participants—including Heads of State and Heads of Government from over 20 countries, along with superpowers—come to Cambodia, it demonstrates Cambodia’s peace, stability, and global prestige. All Cambodian citizens, regardless of any problems, should be joyful and proud of our nation. No matter which party, political tendency, or religion you belong to, whether inside or outside the country, you should be proud that Cambodia is hosting. Only when we have the capability, environment, and stable conditions (can we have this opportunity).

(32) “Not Walking the Main Road, Walking Only Dangerous Paths, Planting Landmines and Stepping on Them Yourself …”

If Cambodia were fighting and insecure, no president would come. They would only delegate foreign ministers or civil servants to attend. But here, over 20 Heads of State, plus other high-level attendees totaling over 70 countries, alongside many international organizations. Therefore, all Khmer people should rejoice. Yet that same group is wondering why they wrote a letter asking Macron not to come. Sam Rainsy is foolish to that extent. People say I am still young, but he has reached that level—I don’t know if he is wandering in thought or simply loves doing things that are impossible. As they say, there are countless good roads to walk, yet he chooses a dangerous path, digging and planting bombs/landmines and stepping on them himself, like writing a letter to establish an illegal government in the first place. Declaring demands for a UN seat is equally impossible, yet he submits it. It only brings disgrace upon himself. He initiates things he cannot do. Finally, he writes a letter to President Macron, who comes to elevate Cambodia’s prestige as a host. Unbelievable. That crooked fellow is the same—saying coming to Cambodia yields no results. It is just an international summit rotation. Since he is crooked, he is crooked in his heart. He lacks full weight. That fellow only has 7 tenths of a kilo. If he had full weight, he would be betraying his ancestors, because they say if a Kampot native weighs things fully and doesn’t cheat the scale, they betray their ancestors. So calling him the “7-tenths fellow” is quite accurate.

(33) “… The Royal Government of Cambodia Has 17 M Citizens, the Constitution … Is the Legitimate Royal Government … Managing National and International Affairs for National Honor and Citizens’ Livelihoods”

Whenever I insult him, he turns it into a topic of discussion for 10 days. “Hun Manet is a declining leader.” You insult me every day. Even monks ask for alms, “Please venerable, let me hit that guy once because he insults me too much.” I have limits too. Allowing me to insult him that much, saying that much, I am holding back; I only know that much. Even though I speak fiercely or talk about any topic, my face still smiles. That’s how my mother gave birth to me. Even my father says, “That boy smiles no matter what he says.” I always smile… In military school, I got into trouble a lot because of that smile. They called it a “heart-shaped mouth.” No matter how stern I tried to make my face, it still smiled. Entering military school as a freshman, superiors yelled at me, and I said nothing, trying hard while they yelled more. They said, “I yelled at you this much and you’re still smiling?” I told them no, it’s just my natural self… Your illegal government, your parliament with over 1,000 voters—that’s your business. The Royal Government has 17 million citizens in the country and a clear Constitution. Millions of citizens go out to vote every time. This is a legitimate Royal Government, legally responsible, managing both national and international affairs for national honor and the livelihoods of the people.

(34) “Callin on Citizens to keep their Trust … Not Based on What I Say, But Based on Seeing Regularly the Implementation of Intervention Policies…”

We continue to solve difficulties. Whatever you want to do, do it; whatever you want to shout, shout. Your two-by-four propaganda apparatus—let everyone do it. But the Royal Government continues. I ask, first, for citizens to continue trusting the care of the Cambodian People’s Party and the Royal Government led by the Cambodian People’s Party—not through what I say, but through what is seen regularly. Floods, wars, droughts—you see our policies implemented, interventions, and working groups coming down to help. The Royal Government releases food, deploys water pumps, and builds dams and canals to help citizens. It rolls out cash subsidy policies during hardships, covering pregnant women up to age 2. Poor citizens going to hospitals receive equity card assistance to some extent—fully in some places, partially in others. We ask uncles and aunts to continue trusting this.

(35) Hosting the Francophonie Summit, Welcoming the Presidents of Rwanda, France, and Canada, Then Heading to the Global Forum in Manila, Philippines

Second, I ask you to take pride. Even though our country is small, we play an important and active role as a nation standing equally with superpowers in every form. Our voice counts just as much. The meeting in Phnom Penh coincides with ASEAN. Therefore, I will host three leaders making official visits: the President of Rwanda, the President of France, and the Prime Minister of Canada. Ending on November 16th, boarding a plane at night to go to Manila to sit equally at the table with the presidents of superpower countries participating there, representing Cambodia in the global forum. We will continue. Nobody can take Cambodia’s seat at the UN; it belongs to the government voted for by millions of citizens in the country… The other day they posted a seat at the front there. I saw the Photoshop on Facebook looking quite decent…

(36) “At Least We Should Consider That Their Country/People Have Also Welcomed Displaced Khmer Boat People Due to War”

Even when we helped the stranded ship the other day, they still came out to make trouble. Those gentlemen are all refugees living abroad; didn’t some of their supporters go there during hard times, right? If France or other countries did not let you in when you faced hardships, what would you say? When that ship ran out of money and had nowhere to dock with 200 elderly people on board—when they arrived at our land and we refused to let them enter, welcoming them, what would happen to them on that ship? Economic issues, other problems, and different burdens—but these are 200 human beings facing hardship. Our people once rode boats fleeing war. When they arrived abroad, they were accepted too. Those gentlemen criticizing the government for taking on only burdens have no shame. That crooked fellow again. Everything is crooked. But after a while, we realize that whatever they criticize, we know we are doing the right thing because he is crooked, lacks full capacity, and is only 7 tenths of a kilo. Thus, whatever the 7-tenths, incompetent person criticizes means we are doing right.

(37) “We Have Virtue and Compassion Because Our People Once Suffered and Drifted Away to America and Canada … And They Welcomed Us”

His Excellency Huot Hak went up to welcome them. The people on that ship were happy. Now their parents sold their houses—300,000 to 400,000—just to sail, and in the end, it failed. Oil prices rose. They were fighting in Iran, the cruise ship got stranded, unable to sail further, and had to dock at our place. Now, as hosts, we see human beings facing hardship just like us. During COVID-19, Samdech Techo welcomed the Westerdam. That crooked fellow criticized it again, saying what—Cambodia has a big heart… There were some Cambodian people on board too. I remember Cambodian-Americans or Cambodian-Canadians were stuck on it. Only after they disembarked did we find out there were Cambodians stuck there too. Others wouldn’t let them enter. We let them enter, but we exercised caution. We tested for illnesses, quarantined them, and did things properly. We are compassionate and have virtue because we were once victims, and our people once fled and drifted all the way to America and Canada, and they welcomed us.

(38) “… Human Beings Alike, They See Us Doing Good, They Thank Us, They Know, They Feel Warm … This Is the Culture and Spirit of the Khmer People”

Therefore, when encountering people in difficulty, Cambodia welcomes them. Some people label Cambodia as a “scam” country. Look at the facts clearly. As a sovereign state, the Royal Government has the right not to let that ship enter. We have the right not to let those 200 people disembark. But we made the decision out of humanity and responsibility for fellow human beings. We not only allowed the ship to dock, but based on reality, we did not set a deportation deadline. We allowed over 200 elderly citizens stranded on board, along with the crew, to come ashore and rest in hotels. Not only that, the Minister of Tourism went to welcome and encourage them—all 200 of them. Whether parents of Americans or any nationality, they were drifting without direction. Now the ship was stuck there. They sold their houses to go nowhere, and arriving here they wouldn’t even be allowed to disembark? That would be miserable. But we chose the option of allowing entry and welcoming them. Asking for nothing in return. They thanked us, that’s one thing, but what I see is human beings alike. When they see us doing good, they thank us, they know, and they feel warm. This is the culture and spirit of the Khmer people. We are not a wealthy country, but when you are in trouble, we help and solve it. We don’t just solve problems for our own citizens; those facing hardship who come to our land, we help them…

(39) Helping People in Times of Hardship Demonstrates the Virtue of the Khmer People

That ship left a day or two ago. Some traveling passengers continued their journey; others returned. We continue to care for them. Of course, most financial burdens were sorted out by themselves… Some hotels also helped by giving discounts because they had sold houses in America and elsewhere, and they are elderly people… Thank you for the spirit of mutual help and humanity. We waived visa fees; it didn’t cost much. We grant free tourist visas for a year too. We encourage this. This is a principle. This is something our people should be proud of—helping people in times of hardship. There is nothing wrong with it. On the contrary, it demonstrates the virtue of the Khmer people. Even though it is difficult and some places accuse us of being this or that or having war, the Khmer people and the Khmer government never fail to welcome those facing hardships. In fact, America’s Villa Vie Odyssey ship entered. When we were in trouble, they opened their doors to welcome our refugees by the thousands. They weren’t refugees staying with us forever.

(40) “Buddhism or Any Religion—None Sees Someone Drowning and Refuses to Help …”

In the past, we also welcomed a few Afghans who suffered and had no country to turn to. When I went to Australia, some people incited our Cambodian community there, asking why poor Cambodia welcomed them. I met with Australians and told them: most of your uncles and aunts here were refugees too, right? The uncles and aunts who came here are no different from the Afghans today who have no country to shelter them. If Australia had rejected them, wouldn’t it be hard? Now, what is wrong with simply providing shelter when there is hardship? It is not a huge burden. We provided it to about 100 people—not many. Our capacity is only that much. It is reciprocal goodness. We practice Buddhism, and in any religion, no religion sees someone drowning and refuses to help. It is a matter of pride. In hardship, we can also help others without thinking of profit or wanting anything, helping wholeheartedly. This shows the world our welcoming nature. Those who disembarked had global media watching. When they received a warm welcome, some media outlets following the story highlighted Cambodia’s goodness.

(41) The Presence of Francophonie Leaders Will Help Eradicate Negative Perceptions of Security and Stability in Cambodia

Shortly, we will host the 20th Francophonie Summit. Next week, we will show the world even more—especially the many Francophone countries from Africa, Europe, and elsewhere that do not know Cambodia, having heard that Cambodia is insecure, hearing about Cambodia’s border wars, and not daring to come. Now, having this many leaders arrive will help eliminate negative perceptions regarding Cambodia’s security and stability. Leaders coming, superpowers coming, and organizing it well—huge thanks to the organizing committees who spent nearly two years preparing. His Excellency Prak Sokhonn leads committees organizing everything, including police and protocol. We see motorcade rehearsals. We have prepared much to showcase our culture, arts, silk weaving, and crafts. There will be exhibitions showcasing other countries too. Whether you are from Pursat or anywhere else, as Khmers—both inside and outside the country—you should take national pride in being Khmer and avoid pessimistic views on this matter. Whether you are politicians or not, you may oppose the government or whatever, but this is about Khmer matters. The government simply manages things well on behalf of all Khmer citizens. Therefore, the benefit goes to our Cambodia.

(42) “Those People Are Not Khmer … Ever Since the Border War, Day In and Day Out They Only Attack Their Own Soldiers”

If Khmer people present a good image, whether you work in Korea, America, or wherever you live, when you meet people and say you are Khmer, they will say, ” Oh! We saw on TV many foreign leaders going there.” So everyone should take pride together. Those crooked fellows can insult away because they are not Khmer. I consider those people not to be Khmer. They criticize constantly. They are Khmer, but day in and day out, ever since the border war, they only attack their own soldiers. Do whatever you want […] But I called out names again the other day. The other day, I teased one of them about the border, and others got jealous, so they used my name to attack. I didn’t reply. That time there was that crooked fellow. I called out his name and it became a topic for a whole week. They said he was rising in rank because the Prime Minister talked about him… Today, the sky has been overcast from dark until morning. Citizens must return home. But upon asking, the citizens are not far. Most are nearby—coming from Bakan, Kandieng, and the city. So they can return home in time to cook rice. However, the working group also needs to transport food supplies and other goods.

(43) “The Relationship Between Citizens and the Royal Government Is a Husband-Wife Relationship… Staying Together and Continuing to Help Each Other”

Please travel safely. Thank you very much for your participation today. Thank you for your continued trust and for giving the opportunity to the Royal Government led by the Cambodian People’s Party, Samdech Techo, Samdech Party leaders, party working groups, Royal Government working groups, local authorities at all levels, and the armed forces who will continue to serve the people. Please, uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters, continue to trust and regard your relationship with the Royal Government as a husband-wife relationship. Sometimes there are oversights; we correct them, staying together, sharing happiness together, through heat, cold, rain, floods, droughts, or falling bullets—we stay together and continue to help each other. Please trust just that. Thank you, and I wish you a safe return home, blessed with the five Buddhist blessings of longevity, beauty, happiness, strength, and eloquence without fail./.