Prime Minister Hun Manet has defended the government’s decision to allow the Villa Vie Odyssey, carrying around 200 elderly passengers, to dock in Cambodia after becoming stranded, saying the country chose compassion and humanitarian responsibility over turning away people in distress, despite criticism of the move.

Mr Hun Manet said:

“Even when we help a vessel like the Villa Vie Odyssey, which was stranded recently, people still come forward to stir up trouble. I wonder: are all these individuals refugees themselves? If you were living in a foreign country and found yourself in a difficult situation, how would you feel if that country, such as France, refused you entry?

When this vessel ran out of funds and had nowhere to dock, with 200 elderly people on board, and arrived on our shores, were we supposed to turn them away and leave them stranded on the ship?

People might talk about economic concerns, various other issues or potential burdens, but we are talking about 200 human beings in distress. Our own people have fled by boat in the past to escape war. Were they not also welcomed by others when they arrived?

As for those who constantly criticise the Royal Government, complain about everything and show no sense of shame, he is simply a ‘crooked-mouth’. In fact, over time, I have come to realise that whenever he criticises something, it is a sure sign that we are doing the right thing. Being a ‘crooked-mouth’, his judgement is flawed – he was born weighing just 0.70kg.

So, when these ‘crooked-mouth’ and unreliable people offer criticism, it simply means we are on the right track.

HE Huot Hak went to welcome them, and the people on board were overjoyed. Many of them had sold their homes, worth $300,000 or $400,000, just to afford the trip. In the end, they were left stranded. With fuel prices soaring and conflict erupting in Iran, their vessel could no longer continue its voyage and had to dock here.

As the host, seeing fellow human beings in distress, we stepped in to help. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when Samdech Techo allowed the MS Westerdam to dock, this same ‘crooked-mouth’ critic complained again, even though Cambodia had shown great compassion.

Consider this: among the people on board were Cambodians. I recall there were Cambodian-Americans and Cambodian-Canadians trapped on that ship. It was only after they disembarked that we realised they were our own people caught up in the situation. While others refused them entry, we allowed the ship to dock, but we did so with great caution. We took careful precautions and established clear quarantine protocols.

We acted out of compassion for our fellow human beings, mindful that we, too, were once victims. In the past, our own people fled to places such as the United States and Canada, where they were welcomed. Therefore, when people are in distress, Cambodia extends a welcome.

To those who might criticise this decision, look at the situation clearly. As a sovereign nation, we certainly had the right – the Royal Government had the right – to deny the ship entry and prevent the 200 people on board from disembarking. Yet, we chose a humanitarian path, accepting them because they are human beings just like us.

We did not merely allow the ship to dock; we also permitted the passengers, including elderly people and crew members, to disembark and stay in hotels. Our Minister of Tourism went to welcome them and offer them encouragement.

These 200 people, who could have been anyone’s parents, including Americans, were left drifting, uncertain of their fate.

Having left their homes behind only to be denied entry elsewhere, they found themselves in a truly miserable plight.

However, we chose a different path: we welcomed and accommodated them without asking for anything in return. Whether or not they expressed their thanks is a separate matter.

What I have observed, however, is that people, regardless of who they are, feel warmth and gratitude when they see us doing good. This reflects the culture and spirit of the Cambodian people.

We may not be a wealthy nation, but when others face hardship, we step in to help and find solutions. We do not limit our assistance to our own citizens; we extend our support to anyone in distress who comes to us.

It is a source of pride that, even amid our own challenges, we are able to help others without seeking payment, but simply by offering assistance with a sincere heart. This demonstrates the nature of Cambodian hospitality to the world.

International media outlets have been following the situation, and, after witnessing the warm welcome extended to the passengers, some have reported on it, thereby recognising Cambodia’s compassion and generosity.”

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• Tags: Cambodia, Hun Manet