Ceasefire Calms Border Areas as Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Occupation, Looting

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Jan. 5, 2026) — Cambodia’s Interior Ministry said border conditions remained calm following a ceasefire with Thailand, but accused Thai forces of maintaining illegal troop positions and looting civilian homes inside Cambodian territory.

In a report covering 6 p.m. Jan. 3 to 1 p.m. Jan. 4, the ministry said 12,417 displaced civilians had returned home, reducing the number of people in temporary shelters to 267,674, including 141,069 women and 90,670 children.

Authorities said public services remain partially suspended in several provinces due to security risks. More than 480 schools and dozens of health facilities are closed across Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces.

No new damage was reported during the period, but officials said fighting since early December has caused extensive destruction. At least 323 houses, fuel stations, markets, bridges, roads, pagodas, ancient temples and power facilities have been damaged or destroyed.

The ministry also alleged misconduct by Thai troops in Pursat province, where soldiers reportedly forced entry into at least eight homes, stealing valuables, four motorcycles and two village garbage trucks.

Cambodia said it continues rehabilitation efforts by repairing homes, delivering food aid, clearing unexploded ordnance, setting up temporary shelters and facilitating the safe return of displaced families. A nationwide ban on drone flights remains in effect.

Despite the ceasefire, the ministry accused Thailand of maintaining illegal military presence in several provinces and destroying civilian structures near border markers 42–47 and 52–59, warning the actions threaten ongoing demarcation efforts.

Cambodia urged Thailand to halt military activities inside its territory, withdraw troops and equipment to internationally recognized border positions, respect the mandate of the Joint Boundary Commission and comply with ceasefire and peace agreements signed in 2025.