For thousands of families in northwestern Cambodia, the end of active shelling hasn’t meant a return to normal life. Instead, they’re living in a state of suspended animation, sheltered by blue tarpaulin tents on the grounds of Buddhist pagodas. While a ceasefire is technically in place, the reality on the ground in Preah Vihear and Siem Reap provinces is one of displacement, fragmented education, and a lingering fear that the peace is only temporary.
A Population in Limbo
The scale of the displacement is staggering. According to Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior, more than 34,440 people remain in displacement camps as of May 2026. Of those, 11,355 are children. For many, like 11-year-old Sokna and her family, home has been replaced by a tent at the Wat Bak Kam camp, where daily life revolves around basic chores and the uncertainty of when—or if—they can return to their land.
While some fortunate families are transitioning from emergency tents into wooden stilted houses provided by the Cambodian government, many others rely entirely on aid donations. In some camps, families are surviving thanks to aid supplied by the Chinese government.
The “Perfect Storm” Facing Cambodian Students
The conflict hasn’t just destroyed homes; it’s dismantling the future for a generation of students. While primary school students can often find local classes, the situation for older children is dire. High school students in the Wat Bak Kam camp must travel approximately 15km (9 miles) to the provincial capital daily.
This journey has become nearly impossible for some. A rise in petrol costs, driven by the US-Israel war on Iran, has made motorcycle transport unaffordable for many teenagers. Kinmai Phum, the technical lead for WorldVision’s education programme, describes the situation as a “perfect storm” of challenges:
- Instability: Families are forced to move frequently in search of better shelter.
- Lack of Infrastructure: Temporary learning spaces lack basic facilities.
- Psychological Trauma: Children are struggling with the mental aftermath of the conflict.
The trauma manifests in ways that hinder learning. Yuon Phally, a mother in the camps, notes that her children are often more focused on “rumours” of renewed fighting than their studies. This anxiety is compounded for children whose parents are active soldiers stationed at the border, leaving them in a state of constant worry about their families’ safety.
A Tense Ceasefire and the “New Frontier”
The current tension stems from two rounds of conflict last year—one lasting five days in July and another lasting nearly three weeks in December. The fighting was brutal, involving artillery, rockets, and air strikes conducted by Thailand deep into Cambodian territory. Though a ceasefire was reached on December 27, the border remains a militarized zone.
In Banteay Meanchey province, specifically in the villages of Chouk Chey and Prey Chan, the atmosphere is charged with nationalism. Residents have used social media to protest the Thai occupation of Cambodian territory. The physical manifestation of this dispute is a “new frontier” created by the Thai military, consisting of large shipping containers and barbed wire used to block access to former Cambodian villages.
Even the Cambodian military is restricting movement. Local farmers, such as 67-year-old Sun Reth, report being barred from their own homes and farms because they are now located adjacent to military bases. This prevents them from harvesting crops, like cashew nuts, which are vital for their meager income.
“But who doesn’t want to have peace?”
— Soeum Sokhem, Deputy Village Chief
The Cycle of Conflict
For older residents like deputy village chief Soeum Sokhem, this border war is just the latest chapter in a long history of violence. Sokhem has lived through a succession of traumas since the 1960s, including:
- The spillover from the US war in Vietnam.
- The US bombing campaign in Cambodia.
- The genocidal Khmer Rouge regime.
- The civil war following Vietnam’s intervention to topple Pol Pot in 1979.
- Sporadic border clashes with Thailand beginning in the 2000s.
This history creates a poignant irony. While government billboards across the country proclaim the unofficial motto “Thanks for peace,” people like Sokhem still walk back to their homes in the “danger zone” with fear, occasionally hearing the sound of gunfire.
Key Takeaways
- Displacement Scale: Over 34,440 people, including over 11,000 children, remain in camps.
- Educational Barriers: High fuel costs and psychological trauma are driving up school dropout rates.
- Border Status: A tenuous ceasefire exists, but militarized zones and Thai-installed containers prevent many from returning home.
- Historical Context: The current conflict is part of a decades-long pattern of instability in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the most recent fighting occur?
The most recent rounds of conflict took place last year, with a brief conflict in July and a more prolonged period of fighting in December.
When was the ceasefire established?
Cambodian and Thai officials reached a ceasefire agreement on December 27.
Why are students struggling to attend school?
Beyond the displacement, high school students must travel long distances (up to 15km), and rising petrol prices have made this travel unaffordable for many.