A total of 1,168 schools have now been closed in border provinces  affected by the fighting between Thai and Cambodian forces, with 102  being used as evacuation shelters, Education Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat said on Wednesday.

The fighting that began on Sunday continued to intensify and was expected to expand into wider areas along the border, the minister said.

More schools had therefore been ordered temporarily closed for the safety of students, teachers and other staff, Ms Narumon said, bringing the total to 1,168, Of these, 102 in less risky areas had been turned into shelters for evacuees.

“I have instructed all relevant departments of the ministry to closely monitor the situation and the impact of the border conflict,” Ms Narumon said. “Emergency plans must be ready in all areas.”

The Vocational Education Commission was ordered to send volunteer students to assist in installing and developing electrical and cooking systems at an evacuation site in Buri Ram, and to further assist evacuees.

When the situation eventually improved, the ministry would send ‘Fix It Centre’ teams into the field to help repair residents’ damaged property, including farm machinery, so people could resume their normal lives as soon as possible, Ms Narumon said.