Australia Provides $250,000 Aid to Displaced Cambodians as Border Ceasefire Holds

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Jan. 2, 2026)— Australia has pledged $250,000 in humanitarian assistance to support Cambodians displaced by recent fighting along the Thai border, as a ceasefire between the two countries continues to hold.

The funding, delivered through Oxfam in Cambodia, will provide clean water, sanitation, food supplies, dignity kits and temporary shelter. Canberra said it hoped displaced civilians on both sides of the border would be able to return home safely and quickly.

Australia also welcomed the release of 18 Cambodian soldiers detained in Thailand, calling the move an important confidence‑building step following the ceasefire agreement reached late last month.

In a statement, the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh said the release would help rebuild trust and urged both sides to honor commitments made at the Dec. 27 Special General Border Committee meeting.

Meanwhile, Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior said the ceasefire continued to hold, allowing large numbers of displaced civilians to return home.

Authorities reported that 100,177 people returned to their villages on Jan. 1, reducing the displaced population to 409,186. More than 230,000 have gone home since the truce began.

Public services are gradually resuming in border provinces, though many schools and health centers remain closed. Officials said most schools in Koh Kong have reopened, while hundreds remain shut in Banteay Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey.