AKP Phnom Penh, September 01, 2025 --

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) is accelerating its efforts to repair and rebuild schools along the Cambodia-Thailand border that have been damaged by recent conflicts.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron, chaired a meeting today to review the progress of reconstruction plans. 

The meeting focused on consolidating strategies for repairing damaged facilities and constructing new, durable buildings in accordance with ministry guidelines. 

To ensure students' education isn't disrupted, temporary learning spaces are also being planned while reconstruction is underway.

During the meeting, H.E. Dr. Hang Chuon Naron emphasised a number of critical priorities: Technical teams will be dispatched to the affected areas to directly assess the damage, better understand local needs, and expedite the repair and construction timelines.

The ministry will prepare standardised school designs, library plans, and budget frameworks in advance. They will also submit requests for necessary policy approvals to ensure all projects are ready for the new school year.

A top priority is the clearance of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and safety inspections at all affected schools. If border instability prevents a timely return to the affected areas, the ministry will develop strategies to open the new academic year in safe, alternative locations. A comprehensive restoration plan will be developed for all schools in the affected areas, including clear guidelines for the reopening of the 2025-2026 academic year in early November.

The Deputy Prime Minister urged all involved parties to treat this task as a top priority to ensure students along the border can resume their studies without disruption.

The ministry affirmed its commitment to working closely with the provincial Departments of Education in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces to monitor the conditions of teachers, students, and local communities, and to provide continuous support.

By K. Rithy Reak