Ceasefire Holds as Displaced Cambodians Begin Returning Home

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Dec. 30, 2025) — Calm continues to hold along Cambodia’s border following a ceasefire with Thai forces, as hundreds of displaced civilians have begun returning to their homes, the Ministry of Interior said Tuesday.

In its latest report covering Dec. 29–30, the ministry said 1,380 people had returned to their villages, reducing the number of displaced to 595,545 — including more than 310,000 women and 187,000 children. Officials said the gradual returns reflect growing confidence that the ceasefire will hold, though conditions remain fragile.

Authorities confirmed no new civilian deaths or injuries during the reporting period. Since fighting erupted Dec. 7, 32 civilians have been killed and 95 injured.

Public services remain heavily disrupted in several provinces. In Banteay Meanchey, 330 schools and four hospitals remain closed, though 15 health facilities have reopened. Preah Vihear still has 61 schools and 14 health centers suspended, while Oddar Meanchey faces the most severe disruption, with 260 schools and 16 hospitals shut. In contrast, Battambang is set to fully resume operations Tuesday, while 66 schools in Koh Kong remain closed.

Earlier clashes damaged or destroyed 160 civilian structures, including homes, schools, pagodas, temples, bridges and markets. The government has launched rehabilitation efforts, including clearing unexploded ordnance, restoring services and facilitating safe returns.

Officials said priority is being placed on ensuring displaced families can return safely and with dignity. The Royal Government has also maintained a nationwide ban on drone operations to secure border areas.