Cambodia Adventist Mission Steps Up During Cambodia-Thailand Border Dispute
06 August 2025 |
Political unrest at the Cambodia-Thailand border has led to mass displacement. Seventh-day Adventist Churches and the Cambodia Adventist Mission (CAM), an Adventist humanitarian aid organization, have stepped in to provide support and refuge. According to reports in the Adventist Review,
“On the fourth day of the cross-border skirmishes, tension had escalated in intensity, with heavier and longer-range weapons deployed by both sides,” regional church leaders reported. “Military operations and territorial gains have led to widespread fear and forced evacuations, especially in areas near Preah Vihear Temple and other contested regions.”
140,000 people have been evacuated from Sisaket, Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, and Buriram provinces in Thailand. Artillery fire and ground operations displaced Cambodian villagers in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces.
The villagers, a few of whom are Adventists, fled their homes, neighborhoods, and livelihoods due to the conflict. Adventist churches on the border closed temporarily, including locations of small house churches and worship groups.
After the conflict on July 24, CAM mobilized emergency relief efforts to aid those affected by the conflict. Between July 27 and 28, CAM teams reached Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey to “distribute food, water, and essential supplies.”
“We are witnessing a critical need for food, shelter, and medical care among our brothers and sisters in these provinces,” said Hang Dara, CAM president. “While we thank God that leaders from both countries have met and agreed to a ceasefire, many displaced families remain hesitant to return because of ongoing fears and uncertainty.”
The ceasefire is tentative at best, with reports showing a documented series of violations. Some of the villagers have gone back to their homes, others are staying in “makeshift shelters, local pagodas, churches, and temporary refugee camps.”
Border churches reopened on August 2. Border concerns remain, and many provinces are still vulnerable to military attack. Some church leaders are accompanying those who are returning on the Thailand side of the border, helping them resettle and provide support. It is uncertain if the ceasefire will hold, but the Cambodia Adventist Mission and local churches are working to care for vulnerable individuals with the help of donations.
