Banteay Meanchey Provincial Governor Um Reatrey recently had some practical advice for families temporarily staying in Rong Cham village. Since circumstances are keeping them from moving back to their home village anytime soon, he urged them to fix up their current quarters and turn them into small homestays. That way, they can bring in some extra income to help keep their households afloat.
According to local media, the governor suggested this while visiting the displaced families. For people stuck in limbo, just waiting around day after day gets them nowhere. Tidying up their makeshift homes, setting out a few clean beds, and taking in passing travelers could at least generate enough pocket money to buy groceries and fill up the motorbike.
Life in these roadside villages along the provincial route already follows a familiar pattern: a wooden frame or zinc-roof shack with family living space in the back, and a table out front ready for business. With motorbikes rumbling past all day, turning their temporary shelter into a modest homestay to earn a few extra riel might just give these stranded families a realistic way to get by for now.
