Cambodia has appeared repeatedly in global news headlines since the summer, as tensions have risen amid a decade-old border dispute with neighboring Thailand. As we have previously reported, shots were fired in July, forcing thousands of families in northern Cambodia to flee their homes and seek safety in makeshift refugee camps.
While the situation initially appeared to improve following a ceasefire and a peace agreement signed by both Thailand and Cambodia in Malaysia, the calm was short-lived. Unfortunately, last week the conflict escalated to unprecedented levels.
After renewed attacks by the Thai army began on December 8, hundreds of thousands of Cambodians living along the border were once again forced to flee, many leaving behind all of their belongings. As of today, December 15, more than 1,000 schools remain closed, over 20,000 families are seeking refuge in displacement camps, and the number of displaced people has risen to more than 400,000. With over a dozen casualties reported and attacks impacting historic sites, including UNESCO-protected temples in Preah Vihear Province, the conflict has once again captured international attention.
One of our students, Somnang, comes from Oddar Meanchey, one of the seven provinces directly affected by the violence. While Somnang herself is currently living in another town due to her university scholarship, her family, including her parents, grandfather, 17-year-old brother Vicheka, and 9-year-old sister Soksomnit, remain at the heart of the conflict.
Amid daily bombing threats, the family dug a bunker to shelter in next to their home before ultimately deciding to flee. They packed only essential items and traveled 60 kilometers to a refugee camp, where they are now living. We are currently in close contact with them and provide them with donations to ensure their safety and well-being.
Amid the darkness and hardship Cambodia has faced this past week, one light shines unmistakably bright: the compassion of the Khmer people for one another. Even while facing their own challenges, and often coming from underprivileged or impoverished backgrounds, Cambodians across the country have stepped up to donate, organize, and volunteer in support of those displaced along the Thai border who urgently need help.
This spirit of generosity is truly remarkable. Immediately after the conflict escalated, several grassroots movements were initiated across Cambodia, with everyone from local celebrities, content creators, NGO managers, and business owners raising funds and collecting goods to pack care packages filled with food, clothes, sanitary products, medicine, diapers, baby formula, rice mats, and bedding to deliver to the hundreds of refugee camps.
Over the weekend, several of our CYS students joined various relief efforts across Phnom Penh, with some even traveling to affected red zones to stand in solidarity with families and children. There, they offered their time, care, and support. While these experiences have been deeply emotional, our students have also found strength and purpose through community and service during these difficult times.
This week, we also allocated funds to grassroots initiatives across the country, supporting fellow Cambodians who are actively volunteering and distributing urgently needed supplies in refugee camps across more than seven provinces. So far, we have used over $3,000 of your donations to fund amazing initiatives that provide immediate assistance to more than 400 families in four of the affected provinces: Siem Reap, Battambang, Oddar Meanchey, and Banteay Meanchey.
While these expenses were unexpected, we believe it is essential to act and to use our platform to support those most vulnerable – innocent civilians, families, and children caught in the midst of this crisis.
In times like these, community is everything.
