What is happening in Cambodia?

On Thursday, July 24, armed clashes broke out near a disputed temple along the Thailand - Cambodia border. This marks the most severe conflict between Cambodia and Thailand in over a decade.

Border dispute tensions have been ongoing for over a century as the two countries have contested sovereignty at various points along their 817 kilometre land border. But tensions reignited in May 2025 after a Cambodian soldier was killed during a brief exchange of gunfire, escalating the dispute into a diplomatic crisis.

Clashes began early on Thursday near the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple, around 70 kilometres from Food for the Hungry’s partner community, Chong Kal. The situation escalated further when Thailand launched an airstrike and a landmine incident injured Thai soldiers.

Tragically, 12 people have now lost their lives, according to recent reports. Thousands of families are relocating and all schools in Oddar Meanchey are closed. Over 40,000 Thai civilians have also been evacuated from border areas.

As of July 27, nearly 40,000 Cambodians have been displaced and over 200,000 migrant workers have returned from Thailand. This number is expected to grow, straining resources in the area.

Update: Effective at midnight on July 28, Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to a 24-hour unconditional ceasefire.

FH Cambodia offices in the area have been temporarily closed. All FH staff are accounted for and community members are relocating to safe spaces.

Which FH communities are affected?

FH Canada’s partner communities are Chong Kal and Tropeang Prasat, located in Northern Cambodia. The conflict is 69 kilometres from Chong Kal and 158 kilometres from Tropeang Prasat.

Is my sponsor child safe?

Community members, including sponsor children’s families, are moving to safe spaces with extended families or to places provided by the government.

Are FH Cambodia staff safe?

As a security precaution, FH Cambodia has temporarily closed its offices in the areas closest to the conflict—including in Chong Kal and Tropeang Prasat. All FH Cambodia staff are safe and accounted for.

“Today (July 24, 2025), FH Cambodia has closed our offices in Chong Kal, Tropeang Prasat, Samroang, and Banteay Ampil,” states Titveasna Pin, FH Cambodia Country Director. “All our staff have already moved to safe spaces; their homeland, relatives’ houses, and safe places arranged by the government. Community members also started moving out of the communities.”

What is FH doing about the conflict?

FH Cambodia has coordinated water, sanitation, and hygiene materials to support the affected communities, including water tanks, latrine materials, and hygiene kits to evacuation sites.

FH Cambodia is also working with other international non-governmental organizations to gather information on the crisis. At this time, the safety of staff and community members is a priority. FH programs have been put on hold for the time being and we will be sure to update FH supporters as the situation progresses. 

In the meantime, now more than ever these communities need clean water at health facilities, which will be critical in the response to this crisis and in the aftermath. 

How can I support the communities affected by the conflict?

Please join us in praying for peace, safety, and healing for Cambodia, our partner communities, and the people of Thailand.

Your help is needed now more than ever. To make a meaningful difference, you can donate to the Water is Hope campaign. Your gift will directly support clean water and sanitation for health centres serving people in the affected areas. These essential resources will equip local doctors and community leaders with clean water to serve their community as they recover from this distressing time.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Help families recover with clean water