Supporting evacuated children and families

How UNICEF Thailand is working with partners to meet the needs of children and families affected by armed clashes.

UNICEF Thailand
An UNICEF staff reads a picture book to a small group of children sitting on mats, while another adult gestures to engage them during a group activity.
UNICEF Thailand/2025/Kongmuang
15 December 2025

UNICEF and partners are providing on-the-ground support to meet the needs of children and families evacuated following border clashes with Cambodia. Initial assessments show that displaced families and children are experiencing fear, stress, and uncertainty, creating an urgent need for mental health and psychosocial support. Essential supplies, including baby kits and hygiene kits, are needed so families with children can stay safe and healthy in evacuation shelters. With schools closed and daily routines disrupted, many children lack opportunities to learn, play, and maintain emotional well-being, increasing the need for learning materials, recreational activities and Child-Friendly Spaces.

A mother sits on a mat holding her daughter close to her chest inside a crowded shelter, with other families resting in the background.
UNICEF Thailand/2025/Kongmuang A mother is comforting her daughter at the evacuation centre in Si Sa Ket province.

Results and population reached so far

Water, Hygiene and Sanitation

UNICEF has supplied thousands of families with baby kits and hygiene kits to support the most immediate needs of evacuees at this vulnerable time and make sure children are put first as the country responds to the situation. The Department of Children and Youth and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) have requested further supplies to support those in need, and we will continue to provide them as the situation develops. 

Education and Child Protection

UNICEF is assessing the needs of evacuated children and families in partnership with the Provincial District Offices of the Department of Children and Youth and local community-based organisations. UNICEF has established several temporary Child-Friendly Spaces in evacuation shelters in affected provinces, where children learn and play in a safe, reassuring environment.  More Child-Friendly Spaces will open to meet ongoing needs, while Magic Boxes have reached thousands of children, containing toys and materials supporting continued learning and play. UNICEF is also working with Thailand’s Department of Mental Health to deliver psychosocial care to affected children and caregivers.

A man and a young girl sit on a mat outdoors, smiling while playing a board game together, with toys and a temple building in the background.
UNICEF Thailand/2025/Kongmuang Children play with toys from a UNICEF Magic Box at an evacuation centre in Si Sa Ket province, where families are sheltering.

Follow UNICEF Thailand to learn more about our ongoing response

UNICEF will continue working with the Royal Thai Government and multiple partners to assess and meet the urgent needs of affected children and families, while monitoring developments closely. UNICEF stands ready to scale up support if necessary.

Follow UNICEF Thailand on Facebook to see updates on our response and how we are meeting the needs of children and families whose lives are affected.