Over 20,000 Cambodians remain displaced as government presses Thailand to honour ceasefire

PHNOM PENH, July 27, 2026 (KPT) – More than 20,000 Cambodians remain unable to return home seven months after a ceasefire with Thailand took effect, with Phnom Penh accusing Bangkok of failing to fully implement a border agreement and warning that essential services remain disrupted in affected provinces.

The Ministry of Interior said 20,281 people, including more than 10,000 women and 6,000 children, were still displaced as of July 26. The figure represents the remaining displaced population out of more than 640,000 who fled during the border conflict.

Officials alleged Thailand had not fully implemented the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee, which accompanied the ceasefire on December 27, 2025, and said violations continued to be documented.

Schools and health facilities in several provinces remain closed, including six schools and four hospitals in Oddar Meanchey, five schools and one health centre in Banteay Meanchey, and four schools and two health facilities in Preah Vihear.

Preliminary assessments also showed extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, with more than 1,500 houses, 10 apartment or hotel buildings, four petrol stations, one market, 34 vehicles, 39 telecommunications towers and six water supply facilities destroyed.

Public infrastructure losses included 26 schools, 14 hospitals, 19 pagodas, four ancient temples, five bridges, 87 road sections and three electricity transmission lines.

The ministry defended Cambodia’s decision to pursue compulsory conciliation under UNCLOS after Thailand terminated a 2000 memorandum on maritime boundaries, saying land and maritime disputes should be addressed separately.

It urged Thailand to demonstrate political will by resuming land boundary demarcation through the Joint Boundary Commission.

The statement reiterated support for Prime Minister Hun Manet, saying his government remained committed to resolving the dispute peacefully and in line with international law.