Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has described Cambodia’s assistance to the cruise ship Villa Vie Odyssey as an expression of the country’s humanitarian values and the warm hospitality of the Cambodian people.
He made the remarks while presiding over a ceremony to distribute rice seeds and food packages to flood-affected families at Pursat Provincial Stadium on Nov. 5.
The Prime Minister recalled that Cambodia had recently assisted the Villa Vie Odyssey by allowing it to dock after the company cited financial difficulties caused by rising fuel prices. He said the assistance reflected the humanitarian spirit and warm welcome extended by the Cambodian people to those in need.
Samdech Thipadei stressed that Cambodia had not only permitted the vessel carrying more than 200 foreign passengers to dock but had also warmly welcomed them without expecting anything in return.
He emphasised that economic considerations and other issues were separate from the immediate humanitarian need to assist more than 200 people facing difficulties aboard the vessel.
The Prime Minister recalled a similar act of humanitarian assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, when former Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen welcomed the cruise ship Westerdam to dock in Cambodia after it had been refused entry elsewhere, allowing its passengers and crew to receive assistance.
Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said Cambodia and its people had themselves experienced displacement and hardship, and had also received assistance from others. Therefore, the country remained ready to welcome and help people facing difficulties.
He noted that Cambodia had the right to refuse the vessel entry but had chosen to act out of humanitarian concern and a sense of responsibility towards fellow human beings. Beyond allowing the ship to dock, Cambodia imposed no deadline for its departure and permitted passengers, many of whom were elderly, to disembark and rest at hotels.
The Minister of Tourism also travelled to personally welcome the passengers, he added.
“This is the culture and spirit of the Cambodian people. Cambodia is not a wealthy country, but when others are in difficulty, we help and find solutions,” the Prime Minister said, confirming that the Villa Vie Odyssey had departed Cambodia on the night of Nov. 3, 2026.
Through media reports and social media platforms, passengers and crew members expressed their appreciation for the care and assistance they received during their stay and visits in Cambodia. They praised the humanitarian spirit and friendliness of the Cambodian people and conveyed their profound gratitude to the Royal Government of Cambodia.
