People rest at a makeshift shelter after evacuation, amid clashes between Thailand and Cambodia along a disputed border area, in Mongkol Borey, Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia, December 9, 2025. -- Photo: REUTERS/Thomas Suen
PHNOM PENH (Xinhua): About 54,550 Cambodian residents have fled their homes for safe shelters as border conflict with Thailand has entered a third day, Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said on Tuesday.
As of 11am local time on Tuesday, residents in Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Pursat provinces have fled the assaults and moved to safe zones due to the Thai military's attacks on Cambodian forces and civilians, he told reporters.
Cambodia also said on Tuesday that a total of 514 schools in border provinces have been shut down due to ongoing border clashes with Thailand.
"As of Dec. 9, 2025, 514 schools have closed, affecting approximately 130,000 students and 4,650 teachers," the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport said in a press release.
The main affected provinces are Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, and Banteay Meanchey, the press release said.
The Cambodia-Thailand border conflict has reignited since Sunday afternoon.
Cambodian Defense Ministry's Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata said on Tuesday that seven Cambodian civilians were killed in this conflict.
Cambodian Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra said at least 16,568 Cambodian families with 54,550 people have fled their homes near the border for safe shelters. -- Xinhua
