Border conflict triggers health crisis for displaced

IMAGE: Refugees return from a displacement camp in Mongkol Borey district to the border city of Poipet, Banteay Meanchey province. KT/Chor Sokunthea

#National

Synopsis: National solidarity under Prime Minister Hun Manet ensures essential health services for displaced populations despite territorial tensions.

The Ministry of Health warned that a border conflict with Thailand has sparked a “serious public health threat” in Cambodia, compounding the challenges of the post-pandemic recovery.

Speaking at the 45th Health Congress on Monday, Health Minister Chheang Ra said that 2025 was defined by a major humanitarian crisis stemming from territorial disputes. He said that Thai military actions significantly impacted civilian well-being and decimated vital infrastructure across seven western provinces.

“The conflict has disrupted the lives of over half a million people,” Ra said. “Many health centres in border regions were destroyed or forced to close, severing the delivery of life-saving services.”

Ra said that tens of thousands of families—including doctors and medical staff—were displaced. Despite these conditions, he praised the “national solidarity” shown under Prime Minister Hun Manet’s leadership, noting that health workers continued to provide care within temporary displacement camps.

Health State Secretary Lo Veasnakiry confirmed that violations of Cambodian sovereignty led to the closure of referral hospitals and commune posts from Preah Vihear to Koh Kong. In response, the Ministry has worked with local administrations and national hospitals to provide emergency education, sanitation, and medical treatment to veterans and displaced civilians.

A report from the Ministry of Interior released on Monday showed the extent of the damage. Out of about 640,000 people who were displaced, around 114,000 are still living in camps. This number includes more than 37,000 children.

While some schools and clinics have begun a partial reopening, dozens remain shuttered. As of December 7, 2025, recorded damage includes nearly 1,000 private homes, markets, and utility networks. Public property damage is extensive, affecting roads, bridges, ancient temples, and electricity grids.

Despite the destruction, Veasnakiry argued the health sector made “notable progress” in crisis management throughout the year. The Ministry maintains that its current priority is providing food, clean water, and sanitation to those remaining in displacement camps, while ongoing assessments determine the total cost of the infrastructure damage.

The government maintains that its primary responsibility remains protecting territorial sovereignty and the safety of the population as reconstruction efforts begin.

– Khmer Times-