Thai - Cambodia Conflict Thai Senators Clash Over Funding for Cambodian Students

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Thai students in the classroom | Photo via Pramote Polyamate

 

A recent proposal to reduce educational funding for undocumented Cambodian students in Thailand has ignited a heated debate. Criticism has arisen from both political and human rights arenas, raising concerns about potential breaches of international laws regarding children's rights.

 

Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, Kamol Rodklai, urged the Thai government to reconsider its financial support for Cambodian students amid escalating costs and tense cross-border relations. Announcing this on Wednesday, Kamol, a former secretary-general of the Office of the Basic Education Commission, revealed that Thailand spends around 837 million baht annually on approximately 108,000 non-Thai students, both documented and undocumented. He pointed out this figure exceeds the average expenditure per Thai student.

 

"Many developed countries, such as the United States, provide public education access only to legal migrant children," Kamol stated. "In Thailand, however, we support both legal and illegal migrants, which raises concerns about the proper use of Thai taxpayers’ money."

 

Kamol clarified that the proposal is about reallocating, not eliminating, educational assistance. The focus, he stated, should start with Cambodia due to recent diplomatic tensions. "This isn't about abandoning humanitarian principles but aligning them with our national interests and security."

 

Human rights advocate Angkhana Neelapaijit took to social media to criticise the proposal, underscoring children's right to protection amidst geopolitical conflicts. "Children are not parties to conflict or violence. Denying them education based on nationality or their parents’ immigration status violates the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and International Humanitarian Law. During conflicts, children should be protected, not punished."

 

Angkhana emphasized the universal obligation to protect and educate refugee or migrant children fleeing violence, regardless of their nationality or legal status.

 

Senator Wiwat Rungkaew of Si Sa Ket questioned the reliability of student registration systems at Thai schools near the Cambodian border. He cited instances where Cambodian children allegedly cross the border daily to attend school in Thailand, although their parents reside in Cambodia.

 

In defence of the proposal, Kamol maintained that the recommendations adhered to legal scrutiny. "European and American models ensure children's rights within legal frameworks. Our intention is not to abolish aid but to manage it more effectively. We are still complying with international standards, and if bilateral relations improve, we can revisit this issue."

 

This developing story has drawn attention to the complexities of balancing humanitarian values with national policies, revealing the delicate interplay between international obligations and domestic priorities. The debate continues as stakeholders from various sectors weigh in on this contentious issue.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-15