Cambodian lawmaker tells APF border conflict with Thailand has disrupted schools, damaged heritage

YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon, July 13, 2026 (KPT) – A Cambodian lawmaker has told the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie (APF) that recent border clashes with Thailand have disrupted education and damaged cultural heritage sites.

Speaking at a meeting of the APF Committee on Education, Culture and Communication during the assembly’s 51st annual session in Yaoundé, Kep Chuktema, chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee on Interior, National Defence, Civil Service and Border Affairs, outlined what he described as the impact of the conflict on communities along the frontier.

Chuktema said fighting had forced the temporary closure of 1,017 schools, disrupting the education of thousands of students and affecting teachers. He warned the closures increased the risk of dropouts and psychological trauma among children.

He also alleged that Thai military aerial attacks damaged 562 cultural and historical sites near the conflict zone, including the UNESCO World Heritage‑listed Preah Vihear Temple.

The committee meeting brought together around 30 parliamentarians from 21 French‑speaking parliamentary groups, as well as media specialists, to discuss issues ranging from the global shortage of French‑language teachers to digital education, disinformation, civil registration and heritage preservation.

Chuktema updated delegates on the development of French‑language education in Cambodia, highlighting progress and challenges.

He called for greater technical and financial support from international partners and said Cambodia plans to establish a French‑language college specialising in economics and management.

He noted Cambodia will host the 20th Francophonie Summit in November and announced that the APF’s Education, Culture and Communication Committee will meet in Phnom Penh in April 2027.