90% of Displaced Civilians Return Home as Cambodia Lodges Firm Protest Over Thai Actions

PHNOM PENH, 23 February 2026 (KPT) – Around 90 percent of Cambodian civilians displaced by recent border clashes have returned to their homes, the Ministry of Interior said Sunday, as Phnom Penh renewed its protest against what it called continued dishonest actions by Thailand.

According to the ministry’s report covering 21–22 February, an additional 1,458 displaced persons have gone back, bringing the total to about 580,000—roughly 90 percent of the more than 640,000 originally displaced since the ceasefire agreement signed on 27 December 2025.

Some 66,822 people remain displaced, including more than 35,000 women and 24,000 children. Several public facilities also remain closed: eight schools and five health centres in Oddar Meanchey, five schools and one health centre in Banteay Meanchey, and 29 schools and 14 health centres in Preah Vihear. The ministry reported no new damage to property beyond previously documented cases.

The Interior Ministry voiced full support for the government’s protest against Thailand’s actions and reaffirmed backing for Prime Minister Hun Manet, who has stressed Cambodia’s commitment to resolving disputes peacefully.

Cambodia reiterated that “using war to end war is neither practical nor sustainable,” urging Bangkok to act in good faith, implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord, allow the Joint Boundary Commission to carry out its mandate, and refrain from political pretexts that could delay the process further.