Over 36,000 Cambodians Remain Displaced as Tensions with Thailand Persist

PHNOM PENH, March 23, 2026 (KPT) — More than 36,000 Cambodians remain displaced along the Thai border despite a ceasefire that took effect on December 27, 2025, the Ministry of Interior has reported.

Authorities said 36,282 people are still unable to return home, including 18,786 women and 12,279 children.

Between 6:00 AM on March 22 and 6:00 AM on March 23, 38 displaced persons were able to return, bringing the total number of returnees to over 610,000 — around 94 percent of the more than 640,000 people initially forced to flee.

The ministry noted that essential services remain suspended, with 20 schools and eight health centers closed across Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces.

No new damage to property has been reported since December 7, 2025, beyond previously documented cases.

Cambodia has lodged formal protests against continued Thai actions, including the destruction of homes, land clearing, road construction and land allocations in areas Cambodia considers its territory under the Franco-Siamese treaties of 1904 and 1907.

Officials said these actions violate a 2000 memorandum on land boundaries and the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the General Border Committee in December 2025.

The ministry called on Thailand to cease unilateral measures and urged international support for Cambodia’s commitment to resolving disputes peacefully.

Prime Minister Hun Manet reiterated that national borders must not be altered by force, stressing adherence to international law and bilateral agreements.