Cambodia Shuts Border Schools After Thai Attacks

Cambodia Shuts Border Schools After Thai Attacks

Oddar Meanchey — 8 December 2025 — The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of the Kingdom of Cambodia has announced the immediate temporary suspension of operations at all schools in Banteay Ampil District and at several schools located along the Cambodia–Thailand border in Oddar Meanchey Province, following reported armed attacks by Thai military forces on Cambodian positions on the morning of 8 December 2025.

On the morning of 8 December, students at Svay Chrum Primary School were seen urgently evacuating school premises and returning home, while a number of parents arrived to collect their children to ensure their safety.

According to a press statement by the Ministry of National Defence, Her Excellency Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Under Secretary of State and Spokeswoman of the Ministry of National Defence, informed the public that from approximately 5:04 a.m. on 8 December 2025, Thai military forces opened fire on Cambodian troops in the An Ses area of Preah Vihear Province, followed by tank fire at Tamoan Thom Temple, positions near Preah Vihear Temple (Point 5 Makara), and the Chomka Chek area.

Despite continuous firing by Thai forces from 7 to the morning of 8 December 2025, Cambodian forces, in strict adherence to bilateral agreements and in the spirit of peaceful conflict resolution in accordance with international law, did not retaliate and continue to monitor the situation with utmost restraint, vigilance, and responsibility.

The Ministry of Education reaffirmed that the temporary school closures are precautionary measures aimed at safeguarding the lives and security of students, teachers, and communities in affected border areas, while closely coordinating with relevant authorities to assess the evolving situation.