Cambodia-Thailand border conflict – Current situation and our actions on the ground
What is happening at the border between Cambodia and Thailand
For several weeks now, armed tensions have resurfaced on the border between Cambodia and Thailand, in a long-disputed area. Although there is little media coverage, we receive daily direct and reliable reports from our teams on the ground. This conflict, which is mainly centred around the Cambodian provinces of Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey and Pursat, and Sisaket and Surin in Thailand, has already caused the displacement of more than 240,000 people, the closure of schools and loss of life.
Why this conflict?
It has its roots in a long-standing dispute over temples located in the border area. On 28 May, a military escalation led to the death of a Cambodian soldier, triggering sporadic but violent clashes, the closure of land borders, the repatriation of ambassadors and the suspension of trade relations.
A ceasefire appears to have been signed a few hours ago, on 28 July 2025, but the consequences are serious, as the conflict has caused panic fuelled by widespread misinformation. Our programmes are present in the conflict zones, both in Thailand (Surin province) and Cambodia (Samrong, Preah Vihear, Beantay Chmar, etc.).
WHAT ARE THE STEPS TAKEN BY CHILDREN OF THE MEKONG
1. Keeping young people and our staff and overseas volunteers safe
From the very beginning, we took all necessary measures to protect sponsored children and our volunteers in conflict areas. The educational support centres in Samrong, Preah Vihear and Beantay Chmar have been closed as a precautionary measure. The children have either been entrusted to their families or taken in by emergency shelters, particularly in Siem Reap and Kampong Thom.
To secure our temporarily empty centres, we have appointed trusted guards to prevent looting. Our Bamboo overseas volunteers have been redeployed to safe areas. Given the ceasefire signed today, the situation is likely to improve in the coming days.
2. Launching emergency aid for displaced families
Very quickly, a new emergency arose: helping thousands of displaced families, many of whom had left overnight with nothing but a bag of rice and a motorised cultivator. In the large centres, emergency aid gradually arrived. But in remote villages, where no one goes, our teams, accompanied by many former sponsored children who are now adults, are working tirelessly. They are mobilising on their own to provide support and assistance in around 20 villages. Where they cannot help, and where no one else goes, we have started to distribute basic kits to those who have lost everything. For $30, a family receives enough to survive: 25 kilos of rice, tinned fish, baby milk, vermicelli, a tarpaulin and mosquito nets.
Our goal is to reach 3,000 isolated families, with an estimated budget of $100,000.
3. Preparing for a return to normal life
Finally, we are already preparing for the aftermath.
When they return to their villages, many families will find that they have lost everything: their homes have been looted, their crops destroyed and their livestock stolen.
We want to be there to help them get back on their feet by providing them with rice, seeds and animals to restart their livelihoods, as well as psychological support in collaboration with our partner Karol & Setha.
Thanks to your loyal support, Children of the Mekong can act quickly, appropriately and locally, as close as possible to the families affected. In these troubled times, your commitment takes on even greater meaning: it reassures, protects and restores hope.
Please accept our heartfelt gratitude, and that of the children and families you support.
