Looking Out For Families 

As the ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia continues to hold, we look at some very positive actions taken by the Thai government and NGO’s to protect vulnerable migrants during this crisis. 

Our Friends Thailand team, Peuan Peuan, have shared the following story with us –  

Neng* is originally from Cambodia. She has lived in Thailand for eight years. She and her husband, My, both work in a fruit shop. They have three children: their 17-year-old son, Rong*, who also lives in Thailand; their 13-year-old daughter, Tina*, who lives in Cambodia with her grandparents and is in grade 10; and their youngest son, Phanny*, 8 years old, who studies in a Thai public school. 

Neng, My, and Rong were asked to stop working, however the family has many financial responsibilities, including repaying a large debt and supporting their parents and daughter back in Cambodia. With no income, they were struggling to meet basic needs like food and rent. Neng is particularly stressed and worried, as they currently have no food. She even asked Phanny to stop going to school for his safety. 

 The Thai government has reiterated that Cambodian people living in Thailand are not being targeted, and any violence has subsided thanks to public reaction and police intervention, but their situation still causes the family significant distress. 

Our team is preparing to support Neng and her family with an action plan. This includes assistance for rent, emergency food, counselling, and ensuring that Phanny can continue his education. 

Please consider donating to support this work – your donation will help ensure that we can give families like Neng’s the right support they need to get them through difficult times. 

Please visit friends-international.org/donate 

*names changed for privacy