Supporting families displaced by conflict on the Thailand–Cambodia border
We extend our heartfelt thanks for your support in making this response possible for communities affected by the Thailand–Cambodia conflict.
UNDERSTANDING THE SITUATION
Following a brief clash along the Cambodia–Thailand border on 28 May 2025, tensions over the long-standing territorial dispute between the two countries flared once again. Diplomatic relations quickly deteriorated, eventually escalating into a full-scale armed conflict on 24 July 2025. Children of the Mekong supported 2,056 families, around 5,879 people, across four provinces: Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Pursat. This support helped displaced families meet their basic needs and gave them vital stability and reassurance during a difficult period.
OUR RESPONSE TO THE JULY ESCALATION
Since the escalation of the conflict in July 2025, fighting along the Cambodia–Thailand border has intensified, particularly following the collapse of a fragile ceasefire on 8 December 2025. Clashes resumed, involving air strikes, artillery fire and ground combat. By 19 December 2025, nearly 498,328 civilians living near the border in Cambodia had been displaced, with evacuations still ongoing and border closures introduced to protect civilians. The violence has claimed 15 lives and left 73 people injured. Seven provinces are now affected.
As the situation has worsened, the impact on education has also been severe. On 15 December 2025, the Cambodian Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport reported that 1,039 schools remained closed due to the ongoing conflict, affecting 242,881 students and 9,797 teachers across six provinces: Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat and Koh Kong. By 19 December, 13,210 displaced students had been enrolled in safer schools further from the border.
OUR RESPONSE TO THE DECEMBER ESCALATION
Throughout this period, Children of the Mekong has continued to support displaced families across several refugee camps, where needs remain significant. Particular attention is being given to Banteay Meanchey province, which is hosting the largest number of displaced families.
SUPPORTING DISPLACED FAMILIES IN EMERGENCY CAMPS
This project provides immediate food assistance to people displaced and living in secure refugee camps, through the distribution of essential supplies including rice, noodles, fish sauce, soy sauce, drinking water and sweetened milk for children.
It aims to meet basic nutritional needs, support daily survival and help bring greater stability to families facing an emergency situation.
CHILDREN OF THE MEKONG’S EARLY RESPONSE TO THE CONFLICT
DAY ONE OF AID DISTRIBUTION (30 JULY 2025)
On the first day, 440 families received aid kits. Local authorities, school principals, district officials and health centre staff were very supportive, helping to gather families and organise the sites, which allowed the distribution to run smoothly and efficiently. Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude and relief.
The distribution took place across three sites: Prey Sanghar Primary School (89 families), Prey Sanghar Pagoda (194 families) and Voeur Yeav Primary School (157 families), reaching a total of 1,045 people, including 554 women and 269 children.
DAY TWO OF AID DISTRIBUTION (31 JULY 2025)
On the second day, 85 families received aid kits. An elderly woman expressed her deep gratitude, visibly moved by the support she received.
The distribution took place across two sites: Pongro Kangva camp (34 families) and Huileng market camp (51 families), reaching a total of 326 people, including 186 women and 106 children.
DAY THREE OF AID DISTRIBUTION (1 AUGUST 2025)
On the third day, 370 families received support in Malis Sraung village. The distribution went ahead smoothly, with strong coordination from local authorities.
DAY FOUR OF AID DISTRIBUTION (4 AUGUST 2025)
On the fourth day, 571 families received assistance across three camps in Preah Vihear province. Most had fled Choam Khsan district, close to the conflict zone.
Distribution took place across three sites: Mohaphal Pagoda (95 families), Sethakech Pagoda (142 families) and Bak Kam Pagoda (334 families).
CHILDREN OF THE MEKONG’S RESPONSE TO THE DECEMBER ESCALATION
14 DECEMBER, FIRST DAY OF AID DISTRIBUTION
On the first day of distribution, 400 families received support kits. At the event, the Secretary of State provided key guidance on safe living conditions and hygiene in refugee camps, and encouraged students to attend nearby schools.
Local authorities, district officials and health centre staff were highly cooperative and welcoming. They helped organise the site by gathering families and preparing materials in an orderly way, ensuring the distribution ran smoothly.
Students were also encouraged to prioritise their education, attend school regularly and limit their time on social media and gaming.
Families in the camps expressed deep gratitude and genuine appreciation for the support provided by the government and Children of the Mekong.
POWDERED MILK FOR BABIES IN THE CAMPS
Working alongside the Provincial Department of Social Affairs and district authorities, teams distributed 80 tins of powdered milk to 28 newborns and young infants whose mothers are unable to breastfeed due to malnutrition and the impact of the conflict.
Parents and local authorities expressed heartfelt thanks for this support, which responds directly to the urgent needs of both babies and displaced families.
17 DECEMBER, SECOND DAY OF AID DISTRIBUTION
On 17 December 2025, the Children of the Mekong Cambodia team, led by Martin Maindiaux, carried out a distribution across three camps in the Phnom Lieb area. A total of 674 displaced families, representing 2,257 people, including 1,279 women and 912 children, received food assistance.
The event was attended by a Secretary of State from the Ministry of Agriculture and the District Governor. Local authorities provided strong support in organising the distribution, and families expressed their deep gratitude for this essential aid.
Martin Maindiaux encouraged families to enrol their children in school and to remain attentive to their health, particularly in terms of nutrition, access to safe drinking water and hygiene.
18 DECEMBER, THIRD DAY OF AID DISTRIBUTION
On 18 December 2025, another distribution was carried out in Prey Changhar, in the Banteay Chmar area. A total of 510 families received food assistance, reaching 1,548 people, including 890 women and 579 children.
Local authorities once again provided their support to ensure the smooth running of the operation.
During the visit, Martin encouraged families to prioritise their children’s education and stressed the importance of health and hygiene in daily life.
19 DECEMBER 2025, FOURTH DAY OF AID DISTRIBUTION
Access to the site is difficult due to the poor condition of the roads, which significantly limits the presence of other agencies.
Thanks to close coordination with local authorities, support was provided to 200 displaced families.
In total, 200 families were assisted, representing 723 people, including 370 women and 215 children.
SUPPORTING MEKONG SILK WEAVERS
To support silk weavers displaced from Banteay Chmar, Mr. Samrach, who oversees the silk programme, distributed essential supplies including rice, canned fish and noodles to weavers and staff now living in camps across Phnom Srok district.
They expressed their gratitude and hope to return home soon and resume their weaving.
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