A conflict broke out on July 24 between Thailand and Cambodia in a disputed border area. The clashes continued to escalate on the morning of July 25. Both sides accused each other of violating international law, recalled their ambassadors, and downgraded diplomatic relations. By the morning of the 25th, dozens of casualties had been reported.

Our organization, Saving Lives, has been closely following these developments. We reached out to a local volunteer guide, Mr. Chankeatha Ngim, to verify the situation. He confirmed the border tensions are indeed severe. Residents from the border villages have been forced to flee, seeking safety in nearby areas. Some refugees have taken shelter in Buddhist temples.

On July 31, Mr. Chankeatha Ngim personally visited Preah Vihear Province, near the border, bringing vegetables and essential relief supplies to the displaced families. He shared updates with us at Saving Lives about the refugees’ difficult conditions. Witnessing their hardship, we are deeply concerned and immediately began planning this charitable relief mission to extend our support.

On Monday, the August 10th, we made a firm decision to begin our relief efforts in Siem Reap Province, providing aid to 100 families.

Two separate relief events were carried out in this mission. The first event took place at Prasat Kokchork Temple in Siem Reap.

Relief Event at Prasat Kokchork Temple, Siem Reap

Mr. Goh Tung Heng expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Buddhist Association of Cambodia, The Singapore Buddhist Lodge, and Saving Lives for jointly organizing the “Rice and Necessities Distribution Charity Activity for the people affected by the war on the Cambodian border”.

He also extended special thanks to Mr. Ang Lian Peng and his family, who generously donated rice and supplies in loving memory of their late son, Mr. Ang Zhen Yang.

Chairman Goh Tung Heng also extended special thanks to Oknha Keo Mom, Duchess and Chairwoman of Lyly Food Industry, a well-known Cambodian entrepreneur, for her generous donation of Labubu biscuits.

His Excellency Bandit Sieng Nam, Oknha of Siem Reap Province, also came to support this charitable event and expressed his gratitude to the donors from Singapore for their kind contributions.

100 refugee families received donations of medical supplies and food.

With the arrangement of Abbot Hem Kimsan, Saving Lives ensured that the refugees received the relief supplies in an orderly manner.

The first charity event, providing rice and medical supplies, was completed successfully. We sincerely hope that the displaced families can return home safely and soon.

Through action with compassion and mercy, we bring aid and relieve suffering. The humanitarian organization Saving Lives carries the goodwill of Singaporeans to Cambodia, hoping only for a peaceful border and for every family to live safely and happily!

Some of the above photos were provided by the Buddhist Association of Cambodia.

Relief Event at Wat Sarawan Ramsey, Preah Vihear Province

On the morning of Tuesday, 11 August, we held the second rice and relief distribution event at a temple in Preah Vihear Province.

From 5 a.m., local volunteers cleaned the distribution area inside the temple. The ground was still damp from the rain the night before. Plastic mats were laid out so that the villagers could properly receive the rice, supplies, and medicines they needed.

With volunteer guide Chankeatha Ngim leading us, the three of us arrived at Wat Sarawan Ramsey in Srayang Village, Kulen District, Preah Vihear Province.

The displaced victims lined up in an orderly manner, from inside the building to outside.

His Excellency Bun Tharidh (Datuk), a member of the First Committee of the National Assembly of Siem Reap Province, specially traveled to Preah Vihear to give encouragement to the refugees displaced from their homes near the border, and to personally express his gratitude to Saving Lives.

We distributed 500 relief packages here. By a little past 8 in the morning, many people in need were already waiting patiently.

Every family who fled their homes, found safety at the temple.

These relief supplies brought them some comfort, easing their burdens for the time being.

All 500 rice packages were gone in no time, meeting the urgent needs of the people.

The heads of the main temples and local leaders from Preah Vihear Province joined the event to comfort and encourage the displaced families.

At the center is the abbot of Wat Sarawan Ramsey, and on the right are two devoted local volunteers—Chankeatha Ngim’s cousin and his wife—who gave invaluable support to this charitable effort.

In just two days, we were able to carry out two relief events, distributing rice and essential medicines. By 1 p.m., everything was complete, and our Singaporean spirit of giving had reached the hearts of those in Preah Vihear Province.

Saving Lives sincerely thanks every generous donor and every devoted volunteer who has actively supported our humanitarian work.

“With compassion in one’s heart, bringing relief to those in suffering.”