About the Humanitarian Crisis
The Conflict and Displacement
The recent armed conflict along the Thai-Cambodia border has sparked a severe humanitarian crisis, despite a ceasefire being in effect since late July 2025. The fighting, which included artillery duels, rocket fire, and airstrikes, caused widespread destruction to infrastructure and communities. This has resulted in the displacement of over 172,000 people as of July 30, a staggering number that puts immense strain on local resources and aid organizations.
Even with a ceasefire in place, the displaced population urgently needs aid, including shelter, food, and medical care. The conflict has hit vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and women especially hard. Meanwhile, officials from Thailand and Cambodia, with mediation from Malaysia and observation from the US and China, are in talks to maintain the peace, though the root causes of the border dispute are still unresolved.
Refugee Camps Situation
Preah Vihear Province is at the center of the refugee crisis, with many of its residents among the thousands displaced by the recent border conflict with Thailand. Despite a ceasefire, families continue to live in makeshift shelters made of tarpaulins and other salvaged materials.
The situation is particularly vulnerable for children, the elderly, and women, who are facing critical shortages of food, clean water, medicine, and adequate temporary housing. The conflict has also disrupted education, as schools in the province have been closed, leaving more than 150,000 students without access to classes.
As of August 2, 2025, a total of 13,160 families, or 34,336 people, from seven out of eight communes in Choam Ksant District have been evacuated. Some of these residents have gone to stay with relatives and friends. Additionally, 9,680 families, or 31,904 people, are currently staying in 15 designated safe locations and with relatives throughout Preah Vihear province.