In the midst of ongoing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, many families continue to suffer in displacement camps, with children like 11-year-old Sokna facing an uncertain future. Their daily lives, shaped by conflict and dislocation, highlight the resilience of Cambodian society as it navigates the twofold challenges of survival and the pursuit of education. As schools remain accessible only under precarious conditions, the community’s struggle reflects broader geopolitical struggles, reminding us of the pressing need for sustained peace and stability in the region.
In the Preah Vihear and Siem Reap provinces of Cambodia, the impact of an ongoing border conflict with Thailand has left many families in dire circumstances. Eleven-year-old Sokna, living in a makeshift camp at a Buddhist pagoda, describes a daily routine that revolves around chores, rather than schoolwork, as she and her sister have ceased their education altogether. Their mother, Puth Reen, speaks of the challenges that followed their forced return to Cambodia after years of living in Thailand—work opportunities diminished, and their hopes for education faded among the chaos of displacement.
Currently, over 34,440 individuals remain in displacement camps across Cambodia, a statistic that includes roughly 11,355 children, all housed under less than ideal conditions. “I tried to tell them to go to school, but they don’t go,” Puth Reen explained, reflecting the myriad difficulties families face in seeking stability after the recent escalations in conflict. The once-familiar neighborhoods and environments have become inaccessible battlegrounds, where local troops maintain a vigilant presence in response to ongoing tensions between the Thai and Cambodian governments.
Aid donations provide essential support for these families, while others fortunate enough have started the transition from temporary shelters to more permanent wooden stilted homes provided by the government. Yet, with tensions simmering along the Thai-Cambodia border, many individuals live in limbo, unable to return home or rebuild their lives. Reports of nationalist sentiments surface in areas bordering Thailand, as local communities express anger over military interventions that have turned their lands into militarized zones, further complicating the struggle for peace and normalcy.
In light of a ceasefire agreement reached in December 2022, challenges persist. Families caught in the fray not only navigate the hurdles of housing and resources but also deal with educational interruptions. While primary education remains accessible for some children in the camps, high school students face daunting commutes to attend classes, compounded by rising transportation costs. Kinmai Phum, a representative from World Vision, highlighted the impact of the situation on students, noting the increase in dropout rates and accumulating psychological trauma caused by the conflict.
Concerns about the ongoing instability dominate conversations in the camps. Yuon Phally, a