The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport has approved the resumption of classes from Jan 5, 2026, for all educational institutions in Banteay Meanchey's Thma Puok, Svay Chek, Ochrov and Malai districts, as well as Poipet City. - Photo: The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
PHNOM PENH: Teaching and learning have officially resumed across most schools in Banteay Meanchey province, following an improvement in the security situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border, according to the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS).
In a directive dated Dec 31, 2025, the ministry approved the resumption of classes from Jan 5, 2026, for all educational institutions in Thma Puok, Svay Chek, Ochrov and Malai districts, as well as Poipet city.
The decision followed a meeting of the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Administration on Dec 30.
“Chouk Chey Primary School, Prey Chan Primary School in Ochrov district, as well as Banteay Meanrith Primary School and Banteay Meanrith Secondary School in Thma Puok district, however, remain unable to resume operations,” said MoEYS.
The ministry did not specify the exact reasons but indicated that conditions were not yet suitable for the safe return of students and teachers.
The provincial Department of Education, Youth and Sports said the reopening applies to all other educational institutions and called on school management, teachers, staff, parents and students to resume normal academic activities in line with safety guidance.
The decision aligns with a broader national effort to restore schooling following weeks of disruption caused by cross-border tensions.
According to the Ministry of Education, between Dec 7 and Dec 27, a total of 1,311 schools across border provinces were forced to close due to Thai military attacks and security concerns, affecting more than 322,000 students and around 15,000 teachers.
As of Dec 31, Cambodian authorities reported that 427 previously closed schools in border provinces, including Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey and Koh Kong, had reopened following the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand signed on Dec 27.
However, all educational institutions in Preah Vihear province remain closed due to ongoing safety concerns, while some schools in other areas continue to suspend classes temporarily for repairs or monitoring.
A separate announcement from the ministry dated Dec 29 confirmed that schools in Koh Kong province had also resumed teaching after the ceasefire took effect, with authorities instructing schools to prepare basic safety measures and emergency readiness in case of renewed instability. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
