(Phnom Penh): The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport reported that the ongoing Thai military aggression against Cambodia’s sovereignty has forced the closure of 514 schools as of Tuesday (Dec 9), disrupting the education of about 130,000 students and affecting 4,650 teachers.

Affected provinces include:

1. Preah Vihear: Choam Khsant district is fully impacted, with 61 schools closed, affecting 13,665 students and 493 teachers.

2. Oddar Meanchey: Entire province affected; 260 schools closed, disrupting 55,731 students and 2,344 teachers. Thirty-two schools lie within 10km of the border across Banteay Ampil, Samraong, Anlong Veng, and Trapeang Prasat.

3. Banteay Meanchey: Five districts impacted; 186 schools closed, affecting 58,754 students and 1,790 teachers.

4. Pursat: Veal Veng district has 5 schools closed, affecting 891 students and 20 teachers. Promouy High School and Wat Promouy School now serve as temporary shelters for displaced families.

5. Koh Kong: Mondul Seima district has 2 schools suspended, affecting 55 students and 3 teachers.

6. Battambang: In four border districts, including Samlout, Sampov Loun, Kamrieng, and Phnom Proek, schools have not yet been closed, but student absenteeism remains high.
=FRESH NEWS