Ceasefire Brings Mass Return, but Unexploded Ordnance Keeps Thousands of Cambodian Families in Camps

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, Jan 11, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s ceasefire with Thailand has enabled hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians to begin returning home, but widespread contamination from unexploded ordnance is preventing thousands of families from leaving temporary camps, officials said Sunday.

The Ministry of Interior reported that 5,754 displaced persons returned between 6:00 a.m. January 10 and 6:00 a.m. January 11, bringing the total number of returnees to nearly 480,000 out of more than 640,000 displaced nationwide. However, 161,472 people — including 84,256 women and 52,674 children — remain in camps across seven border provinces.

Authorities said many families who initially returned to their villages were forced back into camps after finding their homes destroyed or contaminated with unexploded weapons left behind by the conflict.

Seven provinces — Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Koh Kong and Siem Reap — have suffered extensive civilian and infrastructure damage. Since December 7, at least 336 houses, 25 schools, nine hospitals, and dozens of government buildings, pagodas, bridges, roads, water facilities and power lines have been damaged or destroyed, with assessments ongoing.

Public services are gradually resuming in several provinces, but dozens of schools and health centers remain closed, particularly in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey, pending clearance and safety inspections.

The Cambodian Mine Action Authority and the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) are accelerating clearance operations, while provincial authorities arrange temporary shelters and restore electricity and telecommunications.

The Interior Ministry said it continues to coordinate with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces to safeguard sovereignty, manage displaced populations and restore essential services in border communities.

Officials welcomed continued U.S. support for ceasefire compliance, de-escalation and border demarcation efforts aimed at securing long-term peace and stability with Thailand.

The government urged citizens to remain united, avoid misinformation and support national recovery efforts as Cambodia works to rebuild border communities and restore normal life.