Financial institutions to contribute to relief initiatives
In the midst of escalating tensions along the Thai-Cambodia border, the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC) has made an urgent appeal for voluntary contributions to aid civilians affected by the conflict. The appeal, titled "Urgent Appeal for Humanitarian Aid for Civilian Victims of Border Clashes," has been extended to Thai banks operating in Cambodia, including Krungthai Bank (KTB), Kasikornbank (KBank), Bangkok Bank (BBL), Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), and Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri).
The Thai banks, which also include Hattha Bank (operating through Bank of Ayudhya's subsidiary), have been mobilized to contribute humanitarian aid. Each bank is expected to contribute around US$3,000 (approximately 96,810 baht) to this cause. The ABC has pledged to oversee fund channeling and provide daily updates on the total amount raised and distributed.
Wing Bank, another Thai bank operating in Cambodia, has partnered with the Royal Group of Companies to launch the Foundation for Refugee Assistance. This long-term initiative aims to support displaced Cambodian families from the conflict. In early August 2025, the foundation delivered the first wave of aid to a refugee camp in Preah Vihear Province, housing over 700 children and families. The foundation continues to collect donations via booths across Phnom Penh and through international partners.
Meanwhile, the National Bank of Cambodia has called on financial institutions to consider relief efforts for frontline soldiers and civilians within Cambodia, aligning with this overall humanitarian mobilization. The Thai government-backed banks, such as the Government Savings Bank and SME D Bank, are providing financial relief programs directly to affected Thai individuals and SMEs in the border areas. However, these programs do not seem to be explicitly linked to the Thai banks' aid contributions in Cambodia.
In summary, the current status is active and coordinated humanitarian aid involvement by Thai banks in Cambodia, led by the ABC's appeal, with financial contributions and logistical support channeled through foundations like that initiated by Wing Bank and Royal Group of Companies. Aid deliveries have already commenced with continued fundraising and operational support ongoing as of August 2025. The ABC is urging financial institutions under its umbrella and their staff to donate, working closely with government agencies to channel the funds to aid the Cambodian government's efforts to mitigate the impact of the crisis on civilians along the border.
Finance and business sectors are mobilizing to support affected civilians along the Thai-Cambodia border, with several Thai banks contributing to humanitarian aid initiatives. While some banks, like Wing Bank, have launched long-term foundations, politics plays a role in governing the application of financial relief programs, as evidenced by the Thai government-backed banks providing aid to both Thai and Cambodian individuals.
