Khmer ethnic region rises after 50 years of national unification

STO - Over the past 50 years since the country's reunification, the Khmer ethnic minority area in Soc Trang province has undergone many dramatic and impressive changes. From the difficult lands during the war, many hamlets and villages have now taken on a new look, full of vitality, prosperity and rising with faith in a bright future.

The war has long since ended, but memories of the heroic years are still vivid in the minds of the elderly in Vinh Quoi commune, Nga Nam town. Mr. Nguyen Cong Tao - former Chairman of the Commune Veterans Association, recalls the resistance period, when the local revolutionary movement was vibrant and fierce. According to Mr. Tao, despite the extremely difficult life, the Khmer people were still willing to share every grain of rice and salt to support the soldiers on the front lines. That sentiment not only shows the passionate patriotism, but is also a beautiful symbol of the solidarity between the army and the people, fostering the strength to overcome difficulties, contributing to the victory of the nation.

Today, the muddy dirt roads and makeshift schools during the war are only memories. Instead, there are straight asphalt roads, cars can go all the way to the commune center; there are rows of spacious and clean classrooms. Thanks to timely and effective ethnic policies, the people of Vinh Quoi commune have gradually stabilized their lives, escaped poverty and become rich legitimately.

Many Khmer farmers actively produce and escape poverty. Photo: HAI HA

After half a century, Vinh Quoi commune is gradually transforming strongly. According to comrade Tran Minh Chieu - Vice Chairman of Vinh Quoi Commune People's Committee, in recent times, more than 98% of the commune's working-age laborers have had stable jobs. Almost all households have access to clean water, the poverty rate has decreased to 1%. Many poor households have been supported to build houses and borrow capital to develop the economy . In particular, the commune has completed the goal of building advanced new rural areas, marking a big step forward in building and developing the homeland.

In Phu My commune, My Tu district, where more than 90% of the population is Khmer, changes have also taken place clearly. Mr. Ly Duong, in Bung Coc hamlet, shared: "On the day of liberation, the economy here was still backward, life was lacking in every way." According to Mr. Duong, thanks to the renovation and correct policies of the Party and State, each household here has gradually escaped poverty. Infrastructure has been invested, traffic is smooth, studying, medical examination and treatment have become easier and more convenient than ever.

Many rural roads with a large Khmer population in My Tu district ( Soc Trang ) have been invested in and upgraded to facilitate people's travel. Photo: HAI HA

Comrade Thach Minh Lay - Vice Chairman of Phu My Commune People's Committee said that from resources of national target programs, the rural traffic system has been completely asphalted and concreted. Effective economic models such as growing high-quality rice ST25, developing specialized crop areas, raising beef and dairy cows... have helped the average income per capita in 2024 reach over 63 million VND. The poverty rate has also decreased, to only 0.15%.

In recent times, Soc Trang province has synchronously and effectively implemented the policies of the Party and the State, creating positive changes in the socio-economic life of the Khmer people. The face of ethnic minority areas is increasingly improving, material and spiritual life is significantly improved, the rate of poor households has decreased sharply. Currently, the number of poor households among Khmer people has decreased to 1,961 households, accounting for 1.91%. Infrastructure has been invested and completed, the whole province has 100% of communes with car roads to the commune center; 100% of communes, wards, towns and 100% of hamlets and quarters have national grid electricity; 75/80 communes are recognized as meeting new rural standards, of which 38 communes in ethnic minority areas meet new rural standards; 10 communes in ethnic minority areas meet advanced new rural standards. The rate of rural households in general and ethnic minority households in particular using hygienic water for daily life is 99.8%. The quality of health care andeducation has been significantly improved. These achievements are the result of the joint efforts of the entire Party and people in the province, especially the important contributions of Khmer people, dignitaries, monks, cadres and soldiers.

Khmer ethnic students in Soc Trang province study in a friendly educational environment with modern facilities. Photo: HAI HA

At the meeting to celebrate the traditional Chol Chnam Thmay New Year 2025, comrade Ho Thi Cam Dao - Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the People's Council of Soc Trang province called on all Khmer people, cadres, soldiers and monks to continue to promote the tradition of great national unity, strictly implement the policies of the Party and State. Each person should uphold the spirit of self-reliance, determination to overcome all difficulties, together build an increasingly prosperous and happy life. At the same time, actively participate in patriotic emulation movements, build new rural areas, constantly study to improve qualifications in all aspects, preserve and promote national cultural identity, enrich the spiritual life of the community.

The Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee also requested all levels and sectors in the province to actively and successfully implement the Party and State's policies and guidelines on ethnic and religious affairs, meeting the legitimate demands and aspirations of the people. Synchronously and effectively implement the Party and State's ethnic policies, speed up the progress of key projects and works being implemented in the province, especially projects under the National Target Program on Socio-economic Development of Ethnic Minority Areas in conjunction with the National Target Program on New Rural Development and Sustainable Poverty Reduction.

With constant efforts and the attention and support of the Party and State, the Khmer ethnic minority area in Soc Trang will continue to grow strongly, contributing to the overall development of the country.

HAI HA

Source: https://baosoctrang.org.vn/tin-moi/202504/vung-dong-bao-khmer-vuon-minh-sau-50-nam-dat-nuoc-thong-nhat-aa14a81/