AKP Phnom Penh, January 06, 2026 --

Hundreds of Cambodian children displaced by recent border friction have returned to makeshift classrooms this week, as authorities scramble to provide education despite ongoing territorial disputes and a fragile ceasefire.

While the thunder of heavy artillery has fallen silent following a recent truce, the psychological toll remains evident among families living in displacement centres in Banteay Meanchey province. To prevent a total disruption of the academic year, provincial authorities have established temporary schools in safe zones to accommodate students blocked from their permanent villages.

Mr. Keo Dara Rasmey, Governor of O’ Chrov district, visited the displacement centres on Monday to oversee the opening of these emergency learning facilities.

"The Royal Government will not abandon our citizens," he told families. "Even if you cannot yet return to your homes due to the illegal deployment of barbed wire and blockades by Thai forces, the education of our children must continue. We have transformed these safe zones into classrooms to ensure our children remain resilient."

At the Wat Chan Sy Samaki Ratanaram Safety Centre in Kop commune, 286 children gathered for the first day of the new school year. They are among the residents of Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages – communities totaling nearly 1,000 families – who fled their homes following reports of Thai military incursions and the placement of shipping containers across border access points.

Mr. Sovann Sophorn, principal of Chouk Chey Primary School and himself a displaced person, has organised 14 temporary classes ranging from kindergarten to primary levels under humanitarian tents.

"We have 450 students on our books, but only about half arrived today as many are scattered, staying with relatives elsewhere," he said. "I urge all parents to bring their children to register here. We cannot allow border injustices to destroy their future."

For the educators on the front lines, the mission extends beyond the curriculum. Teachers reported that many students suffer from trauma, showing visible distress at loud noises.

"My job here is as much about psychological support as it is about literacy," said teacher Loch Triya. "I tell them they must study hard so that Cambodia remains strong and the world sees the resilience of our youth."

The geopolitical reality remains stark for the children. "I want to go back to my old school," said one young boy from Prey Chan village. "I want them to remove the barbed wire and the containers so we can live in peace again."

While other border schools in the province have resumed normal operations, Chouk Chey and Prey Chan primary schools remain shuttered at their original locations. 

Provincial education officials stated that these temporary "tent schools" will remain the primary source of education for the displaced population until a diplomatic resolution allows for a safe return to the border zone.

Article in Khmer by Chhun Sarath
Article in English by K. Rithy Reak