Cambodia Provides Temporary Housing While Reaffirming Territorial Claims Against Thailand

PHNOM PENH, Feb 17, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has stressed that its provision of temporary shelters for citizens displaced along the Thai border does not signal any concession of territory, officials said Tuesday.

Government spokesman Pen Bona told reporters the shelters are intended to support families unable to return home, while the government continues to uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Groundbreaking ceremonies have been held in several provinces after site studies by the Ministry of Land Management.

Authorities said the facilities are designed to provide safe and dignified living conditions until residents can return. More than 70,000 people remain displaced out of over 640,000 affected.​

Prime Minister Hun Manet has reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to peaceful solutions under international law, while lodging formal protests against what Phnom Penh describes as Thai violations of sovereignty, including troop reinforcements and restrictions on civilian return.

Officials said reconstruction efforts are underway, with committees assessing damage to schools, health centers, markets, and infrastructure.

Cambodia maintains its position on the border based on Franco Siamese treaties and the Indochina Siam Boundary Commission, rejecting any territorial changes imposed by force.