Cambodia says thousands displaced residents remain unable to go home, citing over 95% returned

PHNOM PENH, 21 May 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Interior Ministry said Thursday that more than 95 percent of people displaced by border tensions with Thailand have returned home, though tens of thousands remain unable to do so and public services in affected provinces continue to face disruption.

In a statement covering the 24-hour period to 6:00 am Thursday, the ministry said the total number of displaced people stood at more than 640,000, with over 620,000 already back in their communities.

It said 30,934 people remain displaced, including nearly 16,000 women and more than 10,000 children.

Schools and health facilities in border provinces remain closed, the ministry added. Eight schools and five health centres in Oddar Meanchey province, five schools and one health centre in Banteay Meanchey, and seven schools and two health centres in Preah Vihear have yet to reopen.

No new damage to civilian infrastructure has been reported since December 7, 2025, beyond previously recorded cases, according to the statement.

The ministry also reiterated that Cambodia is pursuing compulsory conciliation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to resolve overlapping maritime claims with Thailand, after Bangkok withdrew from a 2001 memorandum of understanding.

It said the approach was consistent with the Royal Government’s legal and diplomatic efforts to settle border disputes peacefully, citing guidance from Senate president Hun Sen, who urged reliance on UNCLOS mechanisms rather than waiting for bilateral talks.

The ministry called on the public to support Prime Minister Hun Manet in efforts to restore normal livelihoods in border communities and resolve the situation peacefully.