Most Displaced Residents Return as Border Tensions with Thailand Linger

PHNOM PENH, April 22, 2026 (KPT) — More than 94 percent of civilians uprooted by recent clashes along the Thai border have returned home, though tens of thousands remain displaced, Cambodia’s interior ministry said Tuesday.

In its latest update, the ministry reported over 610,000 returnees out of more than 640,000 initially displaced, with 34,347 people — including nearly 18,000 women and 11,400 children — still in temporary shelters.

Several schools and health facilities in Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces remain closed, though no new damage has been reported since December.

The statement comes amid continuing friction despite a ceasefire agreed late last year. Cambodian officials accused Thai forces of failing to comply, citing road construction, bunker building and land clearing in disputed areas.

Authorities said such actions breach bilateral agreements and international law, including a 2000 memorandum on boundary demarcation.

Cambodia has lodged formal protests urging Thailand to halt unilateral moves and resume joint demarcation work. Officials stressed that dialogue remains the only path to restoring normal life in border communities.

Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated that Cambodia “seeks peace, not war,” while calling for unity behind the country’s diplomatic efforts.

The government emphasized its commitment to resolving the dispute peacefully, saying national solidarity is essential as the country confronts ongoing tensions along its western frontier.