Siem reap: Wing Bank, in collaboration with members of the Royal Group of Companies (RGC) and the Khmer Artist Association, has stepped forward to provide crucial relief to soldiers and displaced families affected by the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border conflict in Siem Reap province.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the relief initiative was spearheaded by Lok Chumteav Neak Oknha Mao Chamnan, Vice Chairwoman of RGC and President of the Khmer Artist Association, who led a team of volunteers to deliver essential supplies.
The volunteers reached out to 80 soldiers receiving treatment at Siem Reap Referral Hospital and the Hospital of Region Four. In addition, they visited Chroy Neang Nguon pagoda in Srey Snam district, where 718 families have sought refuge after being forced to flee their homes due to the conflict. These families, having escaped with minimal belongings, are now residing in tents at a local pagoda and depend on the support of the pagoda, local authorities, and philanthropists for their daily needs.
'Today's visit is not just about delivering donations but also about showing our unwavering support for our fellow Cambodians,' said Lok Chumteav Neak Oknha Mao Chamnan. 'We stand with you and will continue to back you.' Each family received a relief package containing a box of drinking water, instant noodles, 10 kilogrammes of rice, clothing, and other essential items.
The relief distribution saw the participation of key leaders from RGC, including Mr. Bunthe Hor, Deputy CEO of Wing Bank, Mr. Vattanak Phakdey Chhun, Group Chief Relationship Officer of RGC, and Mr. Sheanghai Lao, Group Chief Human Resources Officer of RGC. Management and staff from Cellcard, Cambodia Broadcasting Service, Infinity General Insurance, Hotel Cambodiana, Royal Railway Cambodia, and the Khmer Artist Association also contributed to the donation efforts.
This initiative marks the fourth relief distribution by RGC. The first wave of aid was delivered on August 2-3 to Wat Kiri Toul Andet in Preah Vihear province, aiding over 700 children and their families. The second and third distributions took place on August 6 in O' Tamen village, Oddar Meanchey province, and on August 11 in Tamone Senchey village, Banteay Ampil district, respectively.
The relief efforts are financed through the Foundation for Refugee Assistance, established by Neak Oknha Kith Meng and Lok Chumteav Neak Oknha Mao Chamnan, with robust support from RGC members and public contributions. In response to the appeal by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and guidance from the National Bank of Cambodia, Wing Bank has waived debts for soldiers martyred or permanently disabled during the conflict and reduced debts by 75 percent for injured soldiers, amounting to nearly US$50,000.
To commemorate its 17th anniversary, Wing Bank has initiated a campaign where for every new account opened, the bank will donate 200 Riel to its Foundation for Refugee Assistance, supporting displaced families, soldiers safeguarding Cambodia's sovereignty, and the families of fallen heroes.