Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – On the afternoon of January 1st, the National Bank of Cambodia issued an official announcement calling on all banks and financial institutions to proactively prioritize and expedite loan waiver applications from frontline military personnel. This is a concrete measure to support frontline soldiers fulfilling their mission of national defense, while also alleviating the economic pressure on people affected by the border conflict.
The announcement clarifies that in response to the recent situation on the Cambodia-Thailand border, the National Bank issued a special directive on December 10, 2025, aimed at reducing the financial burden on citizens affected by the conflict. However, the number of loan waiver applications submitted by frontline soldiers and affected civilians has recently surged, causing delays in the approval process at some financial institutions.
To demonstrate the nation's emphasis on national defense and its care for frontline soldiers, the National Bank's latest announcement makes the following specific requirements: First, financial institutions must establish dedicated personnel or mechanisms to prioritize the review of waiver applications from frontline soldiers; second, flexible financial means are encouraged to reduce the burden on frontline personnel, relieving their worries and allowing them to fully dedicate themselves to their mission of defending the country; third, to address the backlog of applications, institutions must optimize their internal processes to ensure the accurate and rapid implementation of policy benefits.
The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) emphasized that military personnel who have submitted loan waiver applications but have not received a response can directly contact the NBC for assistance. They can call the NBC headquarters hotline to inquire about policies or check progress, and the NBC will coordinate with relevant agencies to resolve the issue.
The NBC stated that it will continue to monitor the impact of the border situation on financial and livelihood issues, and will coordinate efforts from all parties to strengthen the wartime financial support guarantee.
It is understood that loan waivers refer to policies by which banks or financial institutions, based on specific conditions, exempt borrowers from part or all of their loan repayment obligations. This is commonly used for non-performing loan disposal (such as write-offs) and is also a relief measure by the government or institutions for specific groups. Applications must meet strict requirements regarding the intended use of funds and eligibility.
