Cambodia Updates on Displaced Citizens and Border Talks with Thailand

PHNOM PENH, Jan 29, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has outlined ongoing efforts to support displaced citizens and ease border tensions with Thailand following recent military operations along the frontier.

Government spokesman Pen Bona said nearly 83 percent of more than 64,000 displaced people have returned home, while temporary shelters and relief measures remain in place for those still unable to return.

He noted that safety centres continue to provide shelter, food, clean water, electricity, sanitation, healthcare, education and Buddhist spiritual guidance. Vegetable gardens have also been established to help residents grow their own produce.

For those who have returned, authorities are assisting with crop damage, debt relief and the restoration of essential services such as electricity, water and telecommunications.

Microfinance institutions have waived $10.6 million in interest and restructured loans worth about $500 million to ease burdens on affected families and frontline soldiers.

Bona stressed the government’s priority remains the welfare of civilians and injured soldiers’ families, alongside infrastructure repair.

Diplomatic efforts continue under the Joint Border Committee mechanism, with Cambodia reiterating it does not recognise unilateral changes to the border achieved through force.

Meanwhile, a three-day meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand Regional Military Border Committee concluded in Poipet, Banteay Meanchey province, with delegations agreeing to continue talks and exchange documents before a formal signing ceremony.

ASEAN observers attended the discussions, which followed commitments made at the December 2025 General Border Committee meeting.