Cambodia assures temporary refugee shelter does not affect territorial claims, says PM Hun Manet

PHNOM PENH, March 16, 2026 (KPT) – Prime Minister Hun Manet has stressed that Cambodia’s provision of temporary shelter for war refugees does not signal any change in the government’s territorial claims.

In a press release following a Council of Ministers plenary meeting on March 13, Hun Manet instructed ministries and local authorities to continue monitoring the welfare of displaced persons, including those who have returned home and those still unable to do so.

He urged officials to address livelihoods and essential infrastructure needs to safeguard their well-being.

“Providing shelter does not mean the Royal Government of Cambodia is abandoning its territorial claims,” Hun Manet said, emphasizing the measure is purely humanitarian.

He reaffirmed that Cambodia remains firm in protecting its territorial integrity and continues to pursue peaceful diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes.

The statement came after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs lodged formal protests against what it described as unlawful construction activities by Thai armed forces along disputed border sections, including near the UNESCO-listed Preah Vihear Temple.

The ministry said Thai military personnel and civilians carried out construction and excavation work between February 23 and 25, building a guard post and a road leading towards Keo Sikha Kiri Svarak Pagoda.

Cambodia also accused Thai forces and monks of continuing construction of a large Buddha statue in Preah Vihear province despite requests to halt the project, and reported permanent infrastructure works near Ta Krabey Temple, including concrete roads, stairways and religious statues.

According to the Ministry of Interior, 262 displaced persons returned home between March 14 and 15. In total, about 610,000 people—94 percent of more than 640,000 displaced—have gone back, while 36,723 remain, including 19,045 women and 12,274 children.

Essential public services remain suspended in affected provinces, with 20 schools and eight hospitals or health centers still closed.