December 10, 2025
PHNOM PENH – As a result of Thai attacks, educational institutions in five provinces and 13 border districts have been closed, affecting 4,650 teachers and 129,106 students as of Tuesday, December 9, according to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport.
The ministry announced the temporary suspension of teaching and learning activities at numerous schools along the Cambodia–Thailand border. These include schools in Choam Ksant district of Preah Vihear province, Thmor Da commune of Veal Veng district in Pursat province, Banteay Meanchey province, Oddar Meanchey province and other areas.
In Oddar Meanchey province alone, up to 260 schools have temporarily halted operations.
The Oddar Meanchey provincial education department notified school management teams, teachers, staff, parents, and students of the closures, following aggressive attacks from the Thai military.
“The department has instructed all educational institutions in the province to temporarily suspend classes until further notice, in order to ensure the safety of teachers, staff and students and avoid risks caused by Thai artillery shells landing inside Cambodian territory,” it stated.
The Ministry of Interior reported that Thai military attacks of all types — especially shelling and munitions dropped from F-16 fighter aircraft — have destroyed civilian infrastructure, disrupting basic public services and damaging homes, private company buildings, schools and public roads.
Beyond Oddar Meanchey, schools in towns and border districts of Preah Vihear and Banteay Meanchey provinces have also been closed or suspended. This follows the evacuation of thousands of young children to safer locations together with their families.