Interior Ministry says most displaced have returned home despite ongoing border tensions

PHNOM PENH, April 13, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Interior Ministry said Monday that most people displaced by border tensions with Thailand have returned home, though tens of thousands remain unable to do so.

In a statement covering April 12–13, the ministry reported that more than 610,000 people – about 94 percent of those displaced – had gone back to their communities. However, 34,439 people, including women and children, are still living away from their homes.

The update comes months after a ceasefire took effect under the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee in December 2025. Cambodian authorities accuse Thailand of failing to fully comply, citing continued violations.

Several schools and health centres in Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces remain closed, disrupting education and healthcare.

No new infrastructure damage has been reported since December, but officials repeated allegations of unlawful activities by Thai forces, including fencing and flag-raising in disputed areas.

The ministry reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful resolution and urged citizens to support ongoing diplomatic efforts.