On the occasion of the traditional Chôl Chnăm Thmây New Year in 2026, Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng sent a congratulatory letter to the Khmer ethnic community.
VietnamPlus Online Newspaper is pleased to present the full text of the letter:
PRIME MINISTER OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
Hanoi , April 10, 2026
With heartfelt regards to: Fellow countrymen, comrades, and Buddhist monks of the Khmer ethnic group.
In the joyful atmosphere of welcoming the traditional Khmer New Year, Chol Chnam Thmay 2026, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, I would like to extend my warmest regards, heartfelt greetings, and best wishes for a happy new year to all Khmer people, comrades, and Buddhist monks.
Vietnam is a unified nation comprising many ethnic groups living together, among which the Khmer people, with their distinctive and unique culture, are an inseparable part of the community of 54 ethnic groups.
The vibrant and diverse tapestry of Vietnamese culture is further enhanced by the five-tone music, the lively Rom Vong dances, the Dù Kê and Rô Băm theatrical arts, and unique traditional festivals. With a strong tradition of patriotism, the Khmer people have always trusted in the leadership of the Party and the State, uniting with the people of the whole country to actively contribute to the cause of building and defending the Fatherland.
The Party and State of Vietnam have always recognized that ethnic and religious affairs hold a strategically important position, posing a task for the entire Party, the entire people, the entire army, all levels and sectors, and the entire political system. Strengthening and promoting national unity, with religious unity being a key factor, contributes to ushering our country into a new era of prosperity, strength, civilization, and happiness.
Over the years, thanks to the attention of the Party and the State, the material and spiritual lives of ethnic minority and mountainous communities in general, and the Khmer ethnic community in particular, have continuously improved.
Infrastructure has been significantly improved and upgraded, the appearance of rural areas is increasingly vibrant; culture is preserved and promoted, contributing to the consistent implementation of the policy of ethnic equality, solidarity, mutual assistance, and development, strengthening the people's trust in the Party and the State.
The year 2026 is of great significance, marking the beginning of a new phase of national development with many important events, including the successful organization of the 14th National Congress of the Party, the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and deputies to People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term.
At the same time, this is also the first year of implementing the National Target Program on building new rural areas, sustainable poverty reduction, and socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the period 2026-2035.
With that in mind, I propose that all levels, sectors, and localities continue to effectively implement the Party and State's guidelines and policies, focusing on Directive No. 19-CT/TW dated January 10, 2018, of the Central Party Secretariat on strengthening work in Khmer ethnic minority areas in the new situation.
Mobilize all resources to invest in comprehensive socio-economic development, paying special attention to healthcare, education and training development, preservation and promotion of ethnic cultural identity; focus on building a team of ethnic minority cadres who are "dedicated and capable".
At the same time, strengthen information and communication work to create social consensus; focus on promoting the role of influential people, religious leaders, intellectuals, exemplary role models... thereby strongly arousing patriotism, self-reliance, national pride, and creating the combined strength of the great national unity.
Ministries, departments, and localities need to fully and promptly implement social security policies, paying attention to and caring for the lives of the people, especially policy beneficiary families, people with meritorious services, poor households, and people with difficult circumstances.
To ensure that the Khmer people can celebrate the traditional Chôl Chnăm Thmây New Year in 2026 in a united, joyful, healthy, safe, and economical manner, in accordance with the civilized lifestyle, customs, traditions, and fine culture of the ethnic group.
In the coming period, our country will enter a new stage of development with many intertwined opportunities and challenges. I am confident that our compatriots, comrades, and the Khmer Buddhist monks will continue to uphold the tradition of patriotism and solidarity, preserve and spread the beautiful cultural and religious values; together with the entire Party, people, and army, we will overcome difficulties, steadfastly advance on the path of reform and integration, successfully implement the Resolution of the 14th National Congress of the Party, contribute to improving living standards, ensuring social security, leaving no one behind, and working towards building a strong, prosperous, and happy Vietnam.
Once again, I wish all Khmer compatriots, comrades, and Buddhist monks a Happy New Year, with new victories, happiness, peace, and prosperity.
Best regards.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/thu-tuong-gui-thu-chuc-mung-dong-bao-dan-toc-khmer-dip-tet-chol-chnam-thmay-post1104152.vnp
![[Image] Close-up view of the interchange connecting the two expressways and Long Thanh Airport.](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/05/25/1779703378210_ndo_br_z7863716673926-224453a31600126cce10622af6290afd-4549-jpg.webp)
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