PM Orders Education Ministry to Ensure Continued Schooling Amid Border Conflict

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Oct. 31, 2025) — Prime Minister Hun Manet has directed the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport to ensure uninterrupted education for students affected by the ongoing border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.

In areas where regular classes cannot continue due to security concerns, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet instructed the ministry to work with relevant authorities to set up temporary learning spaces in safe zones, including Wat Pou 5000 Derm Camp and Tuol Andet Camp, based on students’ education levels.

The directive was issued ahead of the opening of the 2025–2026 academic year on Nov. 1. In his message marking the occasion, Hun Manet also called on the ministry to coordinate with the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority and other agencies to inspect school sites, assess damage and clear explosive remnants of war before reconstruction begins.

He emphasized the importance of integrating mine and unexploded ordnance risk education for teachers, students and local communities alongside clearance operations to ensure safety once schools reopen.

For schools unable to operate during the current academic year, Samdech ThipadeiHun Manet instructed the ministry and local school management committees to identify nearby safe schools accessible to students’ homes, allowing temporary continuation of classes until original facilities are restored.