Breaking News: Cambodia Closes Hundreds of Schools along the Border with Thailand
Prime Minister orders to protect people and territory
Phnom Penh (8 December 2025): The Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports on Monday decided to close a total of 377 schools in four provinces, next to the Thai border for safety, as one school was hit by Thai military shelling. The schools have 3197 teachers with and a total of 78,585 students affected.
Dr. Will Parks, UNICEF Cambodia Representative also release a statement saying that “UNICEF Cambodia is aware of reports of armed clashes along the Cambodia–Thailand border. We are closely monitoring the situation and working with the authorities to assess needs and provide essential support to affected families and children. Children must be protected at all times, and their safety and well-being must be prioritized.”
According to initial figures from Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces, four innocent Cambodian civilians were killed, nine were injured, and tens of thousands have been displaced, Neth Pheaktra, Cambodian Minister of Information, said.
Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet orders his government officials and soldiers to protect the people and territorial integrity of Cambodia’s sovereign territory.
“Please, all ministries, institutions, authorities at all levels, all types of armed forces, and all Cambodian citizens, unite for the cause of the nation and the homeland during this difficult period,” he posted on Facebook on Monday afternoon. Chhay Sophal