Ceasefire terms restated as 20,000 remain displaced in Thai border standoff

PHNOM PENH, July 6, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia’s Government spokesman Pen Bona has restated the key de‑escalation measures agreed with Thailand under a joint ceasefire statement signed in December 2025, as border tensions persist and more than 20,000 civilians remain displaced.

Speaking Monday, Pen Bona highlighted six measures contained in the Joint Statement of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee, saying they remained central to efforts to maintain peace and stability.

The provisions include an immediate ceasefire, a freeze on troop movements and patrols, and a ban on reinforcing military deployments along the frontier.

The statement also reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to resume survey and demarcation work through the Joint Boundary Commission, with priority given to populated areas.

It further called for the safe and unimpeded return of displaced civilians and urged both sides to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions, including incursions, reinforcements or construction of military infrastructure.

Pen Bona’s remarks followed Cambodian accusations that Thailand has failed to fully implement the December 2025 commitments.

The Ministry of Interior reported Monday that 20,923 people remain unable to return home, out of more than 640,000 who fled during the conflict.

Those still displaced include 10,674 women and 6,066 children. Authorities said residents remain blocked because villages are “occupied and damaged” by Thai troops.

The ministry added that schools and health facilities in several provinces remain closed, compounding hardship for affected families.

Phnom Penh has accused Thai forces of installing barbed wire at sites in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey earlier this month, actions it says breach the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding on land boundary demarcation.