August 25, 2025
PHNOM PENH – The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport will provide more than $60,000 in financial support to over 3,000 high school exam candidates in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces who were impacted by the recent territorial conflict.
During an August 22 press conference on the upcoming August 28 exams, education minister Hang Chuon Naron announced that the ministry will provide 50,000 riel (about $12.5) to each of the 1,913 candidates in Preah Vihear, and 100,000 riel (about $25) to each of the 1,772 candidates in Oddar Meanchey.
“These two provinces are of particular concern because of Thailand’s recent aggression,” he said.
“We are allowing candidates to take their exams in any province. To support them, the ministry has arranged accommodation. In Preah Vihear, each student will receive 50,000 riel, plus six packs of instant noodles,” he added.
The recent border fighting with Thai troops forced the closure of 605 schools, affecting 15,000 students and more than 6,000 teachers. As of now, 94 schools remain closed — 67 in Preah Vihear 21 in Oddar Meanchey and several others.
The minister added that about 146,000 candidates are registered for this year’s exams, including more than 80,000 female students. Among them are 38 students with disabilities, comprising 15 visually impaired and 23 deaf and/or mute candidates.
In Preah Vihear, exams will proceed as originally planned, as the exam centres are about 100km from the border. In Oddar Meanchey, however, candidates will be relocated to neighbouring Puok district in Siem Reap province, as Samraong town was severely damaged by Thai shelling during the clashes of July 24–28.
“The Oddar Meanchey provincial administration will arrange transportation and accommodation for the candidates,” the minister said.
“Four primary schools have been prepared as dormitories, and each student will receive 100,000 riel in support,” he added.
During next week’s exams, the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) will deploy 4,100 officials and volunteer monitors.
On Friday, the ACU held a training workshop on “Roles and Responsibilities of ACU Observers for the High School Diploma Exam” for 400 ACU officials. It aimed to strengthen their understanding of their duties, as well as legal frameworks and guidelines for the volunteer monitors who will accompany them. They will be stationed at 241 exam centres, supported by a total of 3,700 volunteers.
The ACU noted that 2025 marks the 12th year it has overseen national exams, in line with the government’s anti-corruption strategy and educational reform plans.
“The quality of the high school diploma exam, civil servant recruitment exams, university entrance tests and other competitive examinations has been strengthened to ensure fairness, transparency and credible results,” it noted.