Siem Reap/Uddor Meanchey — A team from Don Bosco Cambodia has visited refugee camps and temporary shelters in Siem Reap and Uddor Meanchey provinces, where thousands of families displaced by the ongoing border conflict with Thailand are living in precarious conditions.

Fr. Michael Gaikwad, Br. Eng Sarorng, Teacher Sum Sophea, and Thoem Veasna met families of students and staff affected by the fighting. Many have been forced to abandon their homes and now rely on makeshift shelters, schools, or overcrowded camps.

Half a Million Displaced

According to current estimates, nearly 500,000 people are displaced across Cambodia as a result of the conflict. While some remain near the border, others have moved inland seeking safety and basic support. The humanitarian strain is visible: food shortages, rising prices, and limited access to clean water have compounded the crisis.

During the visit, the Don Bosco team distributed food, household supplies, hygiene materials, and sweets for children. Organisers said the gesture was intended not only to provide relief but also to bring comfort and reassurance to families enduring hardship.

Challenges in the Camps

Conditions in the camps remain difficult.

• Water access: In several sites, families reported no proper drinking water, forcing them to buy supplies at high cost.
• Safety concerns: Residents described snakes appearing near shelters at night, causing fear among children and the elderly.
• Health risks: Illnesses linked to poor sanitation, lack of clean water, and limited medical care were observed.

Some camps are officially registered and receive regular assistance from NGOs and donors. Others, however, are improvised shelters in government schools where classes have been suspended. These sites are overcrowded and lack basic facilities. Aid distribution has been uneven, with certain camps receiving consistent support while others struggle with little assistance.

Urgent Need for Support

The visit highlighted the imbalance in humanitarian aid and the urgent need for continued support, particularly for families in less visible and underserved locations. Don Bosco representatives said the situation underscores the importance of solidarity and sustained attention to displaced communities.

The border conflict, which intensified earlier this month, has already displaced hundreds of thousands and disrupted daily life across northern Cambodia. With fighting continuing, humanitarian organisations warn that the crisis could deepen unless immediate measures are taken to ensure food security, clean water, and medical care for those affected.

The Don Bosco Foundation of Cambodia is calling on friends and benefactors to assist families displaced by the border conflict. Contributions will help provide food, clean water, medicine, and emergency transport for students and their families living in camps and temporary shelters.

Donations can be made through the following account: ACLEDA Bank Plc. Name of the Account: Don Bosco Foundation of Cambodia Number of the Account: 38030425417514 Branch: Kep Province Purpose: Support for students and their families in conflict areas, Swift Code: ACLBKHPP. Emails: economer@donboscocambodia.org, rsoto.sdb@gmail.com, michaelg.sdb@gmail.com, director.dbk@gmail.com Number phones (Whatsapp, Telegram) +855 69 535 457, +855 69 945 893, +855 99 220 843, +855 973712020.

Organisers said that even small contributions can make a significant difference in ensuring dignity and relief for families facing hardship.