Emergency Cash Assistance for Displaced People

The Issue

The Cambodia-Thailand conflict that happened on 24th July, 2025, resulted in massive displacement of people living along the border. At its peak, 172,000 individuals were displaced – most of whom were women, children, and older people. Although short, the conflict resulted in large-scale destruction including damaged infrastructure, homes, pagodas, and schools. The conflict also resulted in the return of over 800,000 Cambodian nationals who were essentially economic migrants living and working in Thailand.

Consequently, there was an urgent need for assistance to the displaced people along the border, including food, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, milk for children, cooking utensils, fuel, hygiene kits, sleeping materials (such as mosquito nets, blankets, and mats), solar lights, health services, protection for children and women and continued access to education.

The Project

DCA Cambodia, in its capacity of co-chair of the Humanitarian Response Forum (HRF), along with World Food Programme, has been closely engaged in the coordination of humanitarian efforts of humanitarian actors in the country. Drawing on funds from Danida, we aimed to assist the most vulnerable displaced households in the provinces of Preah Vihear and Siem Reap.

Together with our partners, Banteay Srei in Siem Reap and Action For Development in Preah Vihear, and in coordination with national and subnational authorities, DCA undertook a rapid needs assessment in 10 communes in Siem Reap and 3 in Preah Vihear, to understand the immediate needs of the displaced and availability of essential items in local markets close to the camps.

The Change

DCA provided emergency cash assistance (USD 110 per household) to a total of 760 households. Of these, 470 were displaced to camps in Preah Vihear and 290 to Siem Reap. The cash value for each household was calculated to align with sector standards and meet the essential needs of vulnerable households during the emergency response, which range from cooking supplies, plastic sheets, hygiene or dignity kits, and food or milk for children. Each household received the cash through a secure mobile mechanism, making withdrawal without traditional banking access possible. Households who did not own mobile phones were assisted with cash envelopes.

The Results

According to DCA’s Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM) survey, the households were reportedly satisfied with the cash assistance, as they were given agency to spend it on their household’s respective needs, such as food, cooking equipment, sanitation and hygiene kits, and transport. They also reported feeling safe in withdrawing the cash and visiting the markets. This support complements the efforts of the local citizens, who actively crowdfunded in cash and in kind for the conflict-affected households.

Additionally, food, plastic sheeting, and basic shelter have been provided from the Cambodia Red Cross (CRC), the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), and other charitable organizations. DCA’s unconditional cash assistance fills in the remaining gaps. DCA also accounts the project’s success to strong coordination with relevant government institutions and other agencies (NGOs, UN and partners).

Our Partners

Banteay Srei – the Citadel of Women – is a registered Cambodian NGO with over 25 years of experience in partnering with vulnerable Cambodian women and rural communities to bring about political, economic, and societal transformation. Banteay Srei has emerged as a leading Cambodian NGO in promoting gender equality, women’s rights, and amplifying community efforts to cultivate positive gender relations and combat Gender‐Based Violence (GBV) in the country.

Action for Development is a leading local NGO in environmental protection, gender, good governance and climate change, working to increase communities’ abilities, experiences, and skills to build better livelihoods.