80% of displaced Cambodians return home as border areas stabilize

PHNOM PENH, Jan 21, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has reported continued progress in post ceasefire recovery, with 80 percent of displaced civilians now returned home, while more than 125,000 remain in temporary camps, the Ministry of Interior said on Wednesday.

In its latest update, the ministry said 2,446 people returned between January 20 and 21, bringing the total number of returnees to around 520,000 out of more than 640,000 displaced by recent border clashes.

Despite the improvement, 125,073 people — including over 65,000 women and nearly 41,000 children — remain in camps due to damaged homes, unexploded ordnance and disrupted services.

Public services are gradually resuming. In Oddar Meanchey, 242 schools and 34 health facilities have reopened. Banteay Meanchey has largely restored services, while Preah Vihear continues repairs and ordnance clearance.

No new damage was reported during the latest period, but cumulative figures since December show widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure across seven provinces, including 980 homes, schools, hospitals, pagodas, roads and utilities.

Authorities said food, shelter, healthcare and security continue to be provided in camps, and reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to monitoring the situation and ensuring safe, dignified returns under the ceasefire agreement.