Cambodia Says Most Displaced Civilians Have Returned Home After Border Tensions

PHNOM PENH, March 9, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia said Monday that most civilians displaced by recent border tensions with Thailand have returned home, though tens of thousands remain unable to do so.

The Ministry of Interior reported that about 603,000 people — roughly 93 percent of more than 640,000 displaced residents — had gone back to their homes between March 8 and 9. However, 45,831 people, including more than 24,000 women and 15,000 children, remain in temporary shelters.

The ministry said the situation followed a ceasefire agreement reached with Thailand on December 27, 2025 under the General Border Committee framework.

Authorities noted that several schools and health facilities near the frontier remain closed due to security concerns, including 29 schools and 14 health centres in Preah Vihear province.

Officials said no new damage to civilian infrastructure has been reported since December 7, 2025. Cambodia reiterated its protest against what it described as Thai actions violating the ceasefire and invited international observers to visit affected areas.

The government stressed its commitment to resolving the dispute peacefully under international law, with Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirming that peace remains Cambodia’s “core national value.”