Improved livelihoods and sustained policy support are bringing renewed optimism to Khmer communities across southern Vietnam ahead of their traditional New Year.
In recent years, thanks to sustained attention and investment from the Party and State through ethnic minority policies, the socio-economic conditions in Khmer communities across southern Vietnam have improved significantly. As a result, this year’s Chôl Chnăm Thmây festival is filled with renewed confidence and optimism.
New year celebrations with growing prosperity
The new rural landscape in Hung Hoi commune, one of the localities with a large Khmer population in Ca Mau province. (File photo)
In Ca Mau province, home to 26,832 ethnic minority households with 116,319 people, accounting for 5.04 percent of the population, living standards have steadily improved. The number of poor households among ethnic minorities has dropped to 550, or 2.05 percent, while near-poor households total 850, or 3.17 percent.
Infrastructure in these areas has also been upgraded. With financial support for production development, many effective livelihood models have emerged, helping residents increase income and stabilize their lives.
At Soc Don hamlet in Hung Hoi commune, where more than 70 percent of over 700 households are Khmer, targeted policies have helped complete essential infrastructure for both daily life and production, giving the rural area a more vibrant appearance.
According to Thach Son, a local resident, his family was able to access loans from the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies and the Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development to invest in production.
By combining crop cultivation, livestock farming, and rice production, his family now earns more than VND300 million per year (US$12,300). Their living conditions have improved markedly, allowing them to build a solid home and purchase necessary household items.
“Khmer people in the hamlet are very happy with the care and support from the Party and the State. This year’s Chôl Chnăm Thmây is more complete than ever. I hope there will be more supportive policies to help us further develop our livelihoods and improve our quality of life,” he said.
In Can Tho City, a joyful and vibrant atmosphere is spreading across villages and hamlets as Khmer families prepare for their traditional New Year.
Kim Thi Chuong, a Khmer resident in An Khuong hamlet, Ke Sach commune, shared that her family recently received VND45 million (US$1,845) in support to build a solidarity house, along with a breeding cow to develop livestock farming.
Beyond housing and livestock support, local Party members have also provided ongoing assistance to help her family improve their livelihoods.
Standing beside her newly completed house of nearly 50 square meters, she said: “My husband and I used to rely on temporary jobs to raise our children. Last year, we were supported with a solid house and a breeding cow. Life is less difficult now. This year, our family celebrates the biggest Chôl Chnăm Thmây we have ever had.”
Comprehensive support for Khmer communities
Ngo boat racing - a distinctive cultural activity that fosters a joyful and united atmosphere during festivals and holidays among the Khmer community. (Illustrative photo)
According to Truong Canh Tuyen, Chairman of the Can Tho People’s Committee, activities during the 2026 Chôl Chnăm Thmây are not only about celebration but also about providing comprehensive care for the material and spiritual well-being of Khmer communities.
The city has prioritized programs such as medical check-ups, visits, and gift-giving for religious dignitaries, reputable community members, retirees, and policy beneficiary families. It has also strengthened support for Khmer students through scholarships, bicycles, and learning equipment.
A notable highlight is the expansion of community-connecting activities, including large gatherings and live television programs at Khmer pagodas, combined with communication efforts highlighting the city’s development achievements. Social welfare policies are being implemented in a focused manner, targeting poor and near-poor households as well as vulnerable groups.
Looking ahead, Can Tho will continue to effectively implement national target programs, particularly those aimed at developing ethnic minority areas, enabling Khmer communities to expand production, increase income, and improve living conditions. These efforts are expected to gradually narrow development gaps, enhance human resources, and promote the active role of ethnic minorities in the development process.
The socio-economic life of the Khmer community in southern Vietnam has seen positive changes, with traditional cultural values preserved and promoted. (File photo)
Assessing the effectiveness of ongoing policies, Ngo Vu Thang, Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau People’s Committee, noted that practical and timely measures have brought visible changes to the lives of ethnic minorities, especially Khmer communities.
He emphasized that when ethnic policies are implemented appropriately and aligned with local conditions, they become a powerful driver for socio-economic development, improving both material and spiritual well-being.
To further boost development, Ca Mau has approved a livelihood support project for poor, near-poor, and disadvantaged households, including ethnic minorities, for the 2025-2027 period, with a total budget of more than VND622 billion (US$25.5 million).
The program aims to support 4,031 poor households, 6,574 near-poor households, and 1,544 disadvantaged policy beneficiary households. More than 1,200 ethnic minority households will receive livestock, feed, and technical support, alongside vocational training, job placement, production tools, land access, and business capital.
“With this effort, the province aims that by the end of 2027, at least 70 percent of poor, near-poor, and ethnic minority households will achieve sustainable poverty reduction,” he said.
As the Chôl Chnăm Thmây festival draws near, these positive socio-economic changes are reshaping Khmer communities across southern Vietnam, bringing greater stability and sustainable development - and making each New Year celebration warmer and more fulfilling than before.
Vietnamnet.vn
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