Crisis at the Thailand-Cambodia Border

Thailand–Cambodia Border Conflict Emergency Response

Hagar Impact Snapshot

• 5,039 displaced individuals supported across major IDP and refugee sites
• 1,820 emergency relief packages delivered to families most affected by the conflict
• 820 children received psychosocial and trauma support
• 970 returning migrant worker families assisted at border transit points and local communities

When violent conflict erupted along the Thailand-Cambodia border on 28 May 2025, bombs and airstrikes tore through communities, destroying homes and forcing more than 500,000 Cambodians to flee for safety. Families escaped with nothing more than the clothes on their backs as fear and chaos spread across border provinces. At the same time, returning migrant workers crossing back into Cambodia arrived to uncertainty, hunger, and deep distress, many with nowhere safe to go.

In rapid response to the escalating crisis, Hagar launched an emergency humanitarian intervention with the support of donors around the world. With US$136,000 in emergency funding received, Hagar Cambodia responded swiftly alongside the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSVY), the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT), provincial authorities, and NGO partners to deliver urgent relief and protection to vulnerable families affected by the crisis.

Delivering Timely, Life-Saving Support
Following rapid emergency assessments conducted in the immediate aftermath of the conflict, Hagar mobilised relief efforts across Siem Reap, Banteay Meanchey, and Battambang provinces from August 2025 through February 2026.

In addition, coordinated distributions at IDP camps, reception centres, and local communities enabled Hagar and its partners to reach 970 returning migrant worker families, with priority given to women, children, and families in greatest need.

“I deeply appreciate Hagar Cambodia and its team for providing emergency relief packages to many returnees. These packages truly meet their urgent needs. Most of them arrived with nothing and face uncertainty about their future, but this support gives them strength for the coming days.”

– Ms. Chhea Manith, Director of Poi Pet Transit and Rehabilitation Centre

Beyond emergency aid, Hagar also responded to the emotional and psychological toll of displacement, particularly among children affected by violence and instability.

A total of 820 displaced children participated in trauma-informed psychosocial support activities, including art and play therapy sessions that created safe spaces for children to express fear, process trauma, and begin healing.

“I really want to go back to my school and meet my friends as usual in my hometown. Sometimes, I still hear explosions both at night and during the day, even while staying at the camp… but I feel good now.”

– 9-year-old child participant in Hagar’s psychosocial support activities

Hagar’s emergency response was made possible through strong collaboration with government agencies, local authorities, and community partners — ensuring aid was delivered quickly, safely, and to those most in need.

“Hagar is one of our valued and trusted partners that consistently supports and complements our efforts in addressing various issues and responding to the needs of communities. Whether in times of crisis or ongoing development work, Hagar’s contributions have made a meaningful impact.”

– Her Excellency Chou Bun Eng, Secretary of State and Permanent Deputy Chairwoman of the National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT)

These trusted partnerships enabled a coordinated and accountable response during an incredibly volatile period, strengthening protection and support for displaced families across affected provinces.

While immediate emergency needs have been addressed for many families, recovery is far from over. Many communities continue to face displacement, loss of livelihoods, interrupted education, and ongoing trauma.

Hagar remains committed to walking alongside affected families beyond the crisis phase – providing continued humanitarian support, psychosocial care, livelihood assistance, and pathways toward longer-term recovery and stability.

But the needs remain urgent.

Your support will help vulnerable women, children, and families access food, healthcare, trauma support, and opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Please stand with affected communities and support Hagar’s ongoing response today.

25 December 2025

Thai F16 fighter jets dropped bombs along the disputed border with Cambodia, destroying homes and displacing families. Hagar Cambodia is helping those seeking shelter at the “Pagoda Camp”.

HAGAR IS PROVIDING

• Food packages and living essentials
• Psychosocial support and art therapy for children
• Safe toilets for displaced persons

If you would like to lend your support, click the button below to make a donation.

12 December 2025

Thailand-Cambodia border clashes have erupted again, causing more than half a million to flee for their lives in the crossfire. Hagar is currently on the ground, responding to the crisis and we will share more updates soon.

If you would like to lend your support, click the button below to make a donation.

7 August 2025

Thousands Flee Bomb Attacks. Women and Children at Risk.

The recent deadly conflict along the Thailand–Cambodia border has triggered a humanitarian crisis of devastating scale. In just days, hundreds of thousands of Cambodian migrant workers and their families have been forced to flee Thailand in fear and desperation.

Overnight, fires sparked by bomb attacks, tore through six border villages, leaving thousands upon thousands homeless. Among the displaced are countless women and children, now facing an alarming risk of trafficking and exploitation.

Children arrive lost, hungry, and terrified – many separated from their families in the scramble to escape. While a fragile ceasefire was declared on 28 July, tensions remain high and fresh waves of evacuation are expected in the days ahead.

Since the outbreak, 180 temporary shelters have been set up by the local government to house displaced victims across five provinces: Siem Reap, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Pursat. Currently, there are about 150,000 people staying in these deeply strained shelters.

320 schools out of 605 schools have been temporarily closed.

Hagar Has Been Called to Respond

As the Cambodia government’s key strategic partner, Hagar is leveraging its expertise to support two major transition centres; the Poi Pet Transition Centre and the Kamrieng Migrant Reception Centre. There, we are providing both immediate relief and long-term assistance to children and families identified as most at risk of trafficking and abuse.

Your Support Can Save Lives

Every day, more families arrive at the Centres – exhausted, hungry and desperate for food, shelter, and safety. We are racing against time to reach those most at-risk with life-saving relief.

1. Emergency care packages

Short-term food assistance, milk for children, diapers, hygiene kits, and first aid items.

2. Longer-term support
   • Trauma counselling and medical care
   • Legal assistance
   • School support and clothing for children
   • Livelihood rebuilding through vocational training, job placement, and small business support