19/12/2025
Humanitarian Crisis Along the Cambodia–Thailand Border
The ongoing border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis for civilians living along the frontier. Families have been forced to flee their homes, farms, and livelihoods, leaving behind property, livestock, and essential resources. The situation is especially dire for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and children, who continue to face fear, displacement, and the psychological trauma caused by bombings and military aggression.
Despite a ceasefire agreement signed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 28 July 2025—facilitated by the Prime Minister of Malaysia in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, and witnessed by H.E. Donald J. Trump—Thai forces have continued incursions into Cambodian territory. These violations include attacks over Prasath Takrabei Temple in Oddar Meanchey Province, bombings in Boeng Trakoun Village, unilateral border demarcations, and the use of heavy weaponry.
Reports also indicate military activity and shelling affecting communities along border areas in:
Oddar Meanchey Province (Anlong Veng and surrounding districts)
Preah Vihear Province, including areas near historic temple sites and nearby villages
Banteay Meanchey Province, particularly rural border communes reliant on agriculture and cross-border trade
Humanitarian Impact
Civilians displaced from their homes and villages
Children unable to attend school, lacking access to safe spaces, food, and clean water
Families enduring cold nights without adequate shelter or basic necessities
Damage to Civilian Infrastructure
The conflict has caused serious damage to critical civilian infrastructure, further deepening the humanitarian crisis. Reported impacts include:
Destruction and damage to homes, village roads, and bridges, restricting humanitarian access
Damage to schools, forcing prolonged closures and disrupting children’s education
Impact on health centers and clinics, limiting access to medical care for vulnerable populations
Damage to water systems, wells, and irrigation channels, resulting in shortages of clean water
Disruption of electricity and communication networks, isolating affected communities
Agricultural infrastructure—including farmland, storage facilities, and livestock shelters—has also been affected, threatening food security and long-term livelihoods for border communities.
Community and International Response
Cambodian citizens, non-governmental organizations, businesses, churches, and community groups have mobilized swiftly to provide emergency humanitarian assistance. Relief efforts include the distribution of food, clean water, clothing, mosquito nets, tents, and temporary sanitation facilities.
Child-focused initiatives have been established to create safe environments for play and learning, with school supplies distributed to ensure that education continues despite displacement.
Call for Unity and Peace
Cambodia remains steadfast in its commitment to defend its territorial integrity and protect its people. In the spirit of unity and solidarity, we affirm to the world that while Cambodia may be a small nation, it possesses a great heart and an unwavering determination to safeguard peace and sovereignty.
We urge the international community to recognize the suffering of civilians and to support efforts toward a just and lasting resolution. Khmer unity remains our strength, and the Kingdom of Cambodia will continue to stand resilient in the face of adversity.
All rights reserved.
