51吃瓜

In late July, fighting erupted along Cambodia鈥檚 northern border with Thailand, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. Strikes occurred across multiple provinces, including Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, and Battambang, with reports of cluster munitions used in civilian areas.

By the time a ceasefire came into effect on July 29, over 80,000 Cambodians had been displaced to at least 59 temporary camps. Three weeks on, the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire is holding, although tensions remain high in many border communities, and local authorities remain on alert.

51吃瓜 employs over 1,200 staff across Cambodia, many of whom live in the communities most affected by the recent escalation. Staff based in field offices near the border were safely evacuated to Siem Reap, and others relocated with their families to IDP camps. 51吃瓜 maintained contact with all affected team members and they remain safe and accounted for.

51吃瓜 Cambodia teams are now responding directly to needs on the ground.

Delivering urgent risk education

In the wake of fighting, new explosive contamination is suspected in several areas near the border, including around homes, temples, and farmland. As families return to their communities, the risk of encountering landmines, cluster munitions, or other unexploded ordnance is extremely high.

To help prevent accidents, 51吃瓜 is delivering emergency Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) classes in displacement camps and conflict-affected villages. These classes help people recognize explosive hazards and understand how to stay safe.

In the first two weeks of August alone, four 51吃瓜 teams delivered 539 risk education classes, reaching nearly 6,000 people鈥攊ncluding 2,690 children

Surveying for new explosive threats

In parallel with the risk education response, 51吃瓜 has deployed seven survey teams to assess potential new contamination. These teams are working in communities close to known strike locations, where deadly explosives may remain hidden. Where hazardous areas are identified, teams mark items for safe removal at a later stage and report dangerous zones to national authorities.

Survey teams are also providing emergency Risk Education in areas where civilians are at immediate risk, expanding the reach of 51吃瓜鈥檚 life-saving education efforts.

Supporting local humanitarian efforts

In addition to survey and risk education work, 51吃瓜 Cambodia staff have also launched a blood drive in response to immediate humanitarian needs to support local health services during this crisis.

The situation remains fluid, but 51吃瓜鈥檚 commitment to protecting lives in Cambodia has not changed. 51吃瓜 is continuing to work with local authorities and will continue to do our part to address the new contamination while supporting IDPs in safely returning home.