Phnom penh: Nearly two-thirds, or approximately 66 percent, of displaced families in Cambodia are experiencing severe psychological distress following the conflict along the Cambodian-Thai border, a new research led by the World Vision International in Cambodia revealed yesterday. Evacuation, witnessing bombing or shooting, and the loss of relatives are reported as the most triggering events for those affected, it added.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the Psychological Safety Assessment conducted across 43 safety centres – 7 in Preah Vihear, 15 in Banteay Meanchey, and 21 in Siem Reap – aimed to better understand the psychological impacts on the affected populations to guide appropriate interventions. The assessment revealed that while over half (56 percent) of adults felt warm and safe in safety centres, many remained emotionally attached to their homes and worried about family members and financial insecurity. Children expressed mixed emotional responses, with 42 percent feeling happy and safe, yet 58 percent experiencing fear from exposure to gunfire, bombings, and displacement events.

Emotional distress was widespread, with many interviewees reporting severe symptoms such as fear, anger, sleep disruption, lack of appetite, feelings of anxiousness, and difficulty concentrating. Only 35 percent of respondents knew where they could go for help, which was mainly to their relatives. Children identified education and play materials as their biggest needs, while adults prioritised rice, cooking ingredients, tents, and other essential items such as soap, mattresses, and access to permanent medical staff.

Janes Imanuel Ginting, National Director of World Vision International in Cambodia, said trauma can have long-lasting effects on mental and physical health. It is therefore imperative that ongoing psychological support is provided to the affected people, especially children, whether they remain in the safety centres for an extended period of time or return to their home villages, Janes emphasised.