AKP Phnom Penh, December 08, 2025 --

The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS) on Monday announced the closure of 377 schools across four provinces bordering Thailand, citing escalating hostilities that have halted education for about 78,600 students and 3,197 teachers.

The Ministry attributed the action to security concerns following what it described as Thai military attacks across the border.

Separately, the Ministry of National Defence reported that Thai forces have fired into civilian villages in Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Banteay Meanchey provinces.  

The Ministry alleged that the shelling has injured civilians, destroyed homes, and forced thousands of residents, including women, children, and the elderly, to evacuate to temporary safe locations.

H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Spokeswoman for the Ministry of National Defence, stated that Thai troops resumed firing at approximately 5:04 a.m. local time on Monday, targeting multiple key areas. These included military positions and civilian zones near border points such as the Preah Vihear Temple zone, An Ses, Tamone Thom Temple, and other areas.

Renewed firing on Monday followed initial shelling that reportedly began around 2:15 p.m. on Sunday. 

By K. Rithy Reak