95% of Border Conflict Displaced Residents Have Returned Home, Officials Say

PHNOM PENH, May 15, 2026 (KPT) — More than 95 percent of residents displaced by last year’s border conflict with Thailand have returned home, though thousands remain unable to do so and public services in affected provinces continue to face disruption, officials said Friday.

The Interior Ministry reported that out of more than 640,000 people displaced by clashes, over 610,000 have returned since the ceasefire took effect on December 27, 2025. Some 32,160 remain displaced, including 16,584 women and 10,826 children.

Officials accused Thai authorities of failing to fully comply with commitments made under the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee meeting, saying Cambodia continues to document what it describes as violations and acts of bad faith while pursuing diplomatic and legal measures.

Several schools and health facilities remain closed in border provinces. In Oddar Meanchey, eight schools and five health centers are shut, while five schools and one health facility remain closed in Banteay Meanchey. In Preah Vihear, seven schools and two health facilities are still not operating.

The ministry said no new destruction of civilian infrastructure has been reported since December 7, 2025, beyond previously documented damage.

It reiterated support for the government’s decision to pursue compulsory conciliation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea after Thailand withdrew from the 2001 memorandum on overlapping maritime claims.

The statement voiced backing for Prime Minister Hun Manet’s efforts to resolve disputes peacefully through diplomacy and international law, echoing guidance from Senate President Hun Sen to proceed directly through UNCLOS mechanisms.