The Cambodian government will cover the tuition cost of six Cambodian cadets who are currently pursuing their undergraduate programmes at four US military academies.

According to a press statement issued by the Ministry of National Defense released late on July 2, the government will cover all expenses for them until they complete their courses.

“Seeing the difficulties facing the Cambodian cadets due to the termination of their scholarships by the US, and with the spirit of responsibility for their future and for the sake of Cambodian military academy, the Cambodian government will cover the cost of tuition for all the six students until graduation,” the statement said.

The ministry said the decision to end their scholarship was made unilaterally by the US, and Cambodia will contact relevant US entities over the matter.

Two of the students are at West Point Military Academy, two at the US Air Force Academy, one at the US Naval Academy and one at the Coast Guard Academy.

According to a document obtained by The Post on July 2, the two cadets at West Point are Tri Leang and Un Vuottek, who will graduate in 2022 and 2024 respectively.

Nou Chanyuthea and Long Tola will graduate from the US Air Force Academy in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

Pich Chantrea will graduate in 2022 from US Naval Academy, and Tann Chanbopich will graduate in 2022 from Coast Guard Academy.

A total of $1,1 million will be spent for all of them to complete their courses.

Neither Cambodian defense ministry spokesperson Chhum Socheat nor defense minister Tea Bahn’s adviser Nem Sowath could be immediately reached for comment.

For more details, read our full story published on July 2, US dangles cash for Cambodian cadets (https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national-politics/us-dangles-cash-cambodian-cadets)