Thai bombardments cause $6.2 mil in damage to schools
The impact of Thai military incursions on schools in the provinces. MoEYS
Synopsis: Temporary classrooms and shelters have been established to support displaced students, while restoration projects are planned to repair and rebuild schools.
Cambodia’s education system suffered severe disruption and an estimated $6.2 million in losses, after Thai military incursions along the border damaged at least 27 schools, forced the temporary closure of 1,311 institutions, and displaced over 300,000 students and 15,000 teachers, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport reported yesterday.
Speaking at a conference yesterday summarising the 2024-2025 academic year and outlining plans for 2025-2026, Kim Sethany, Permanent Secretary of State at the ministry, highlighted the severe impact of the border conflicts on schools, teachers, and students in affected areas.
“At least 27 schools were damaged during the aerial bombings and shelling in the July and December conflicts,” Sethany said. “These include seven schools in Preah Vihear, 13 in Oddar Meanchey, five in Banteay Meanchey, and one each in Battambang and Pursat provinces. The most severely damaged schools include Sok Sang Primary School, O’Beichoan Primary School, Prey Chan Primary School, Banteay Meanchey Primary and Secondary School.”
The damage cost an estimated cost $6.2 million—$2.55 million in Oddar Meanchey, $2.25 million in Banteay Meanchey, and $1.4 million in Preah Vihear.
Sethany noted that during the conflict, 1,311 schools along the border were temporarily closed, affecting more than 300,000 students and 15,000 teachers. To support displaced students, the ministry set up temporary classrooms in government schools, monasteries, refugee camps, and community spaces. By January 2, more than 320,000 refugee students were enrolled across various levels of education.
The ministry also collaborated with development partners to establish temporary multi-purpose classrooms in refugee camps, and is considering setting up temporary schools in large camps in Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey provinces.
Sethany added that 30 schools remain closed due to unexploded ordnance, damage, and Thai military occupation. Approximately 3,000 refugee students continue to study in temporary schools in safe camps, while nearly 8,000 study in provincial capitals where their families are temporarily residing.
Through the Working Group for the Restoration of Livelihoods and Infrastructure, the ministry has proposed projects to repair and build schools. Oddar Meanchey requires $1.34 million and Preah Vihear, $1.4 million. Banteay Meanchey’s restoration plan has not been finalised.
-Khmer Times-
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