Over 130,000 Cambodians still displaced after border clashes

PHNOM PENH, Jan 19, 2026 (KPT) – More than 130,000 Cambodians remain in temporary camps despite ongoing returns following a ceasefire with Thailand, as dozens of schools and health centers in border provinces remain closed due to war damage and unexploded ordnance, the interior ministry said Monday.

In its latest update, the ministry said 1,661 displaced people had returned home between January 18 and 19, bringing the total number of returnees to about 510,000 out of more than 640,000 originally displaced.

However, 133,070 people — including nearly 70,000 women and more than 43,000 children — remain in camps across seven provinces: Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Koh Kong and Siem Reap.

Authorities reported extensive damage to civilian infrastructure since December 7, including nearly 1,000 homes, markets, warehouses, cell towers, water facilities and dozens of public buildings. Public infrastructure losses included 26 schools, 14 hospitals, 42 government offices, 17 pagodas, four ancient temples, five bridges and 87 road sections.

The ministry said it continues to provide food, water, shelter and healthcare to displaced families while preparing villages for safe returns and clearing UXO. It urged Thailand to fully implement the December 27 ceasefire and stressed national unity as Cambodia works to rebuild border communities.