Over 1,000 Displaced Families Still Trapped as Thai Military Seals Border Villages

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Jan. 5, 2026) — More than 1,000 displaced Cambodian families remain unable to return home after Thai troops sealed off border villages with shipping containers and barbed wire, local authorities said Monday.

The families are from Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages in Ou Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province, and are sheltering at temporary safety centers. Officials said Thai soldiers blocked access roads despite a ceasefire agreement signed Dec. 27.

Authorities said large sections of both villages were nearly destroyed by earlier airstrikes and artillery shelling, leaving homes, public buildings and basic infrastructure in ruins.

Cambodia’s Interior Ministry also accused Thai forces of maintaining an illegal troop presence inside Cambodian territory and looting civilian property in Pursat province. Officials alleged Thai soldiers broke into at least eight houses, stealing valuables, four motorcycles and two garbage trucks.

Despite restrictions, officials reported calm along the border between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Jan. 4, during which more than 25,000 displaced people returned home. Still, 242,267 people — including nearly 128,000 women and 79,000 children — remain in camps out of more than 640,000 who fled since early December.

Authorities said 323 houses, along with fuel stations, markets, bridges, roads, pagodas, ancient temples and electricity facilities, have been damaged or destroyed.

Cambodian officials continue to demand the full withdrawal of Thai troops, urging compliance with ceasefire agreements and international law to allow civilians to return safely.