Displaced families to be housed as Cambodia rejects territorial concession claims

PHNOM PENH, March 24, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has set aside 400 hectares of state land to house families displaced by tensions along the Thai border, stressing the move does not amount to any concession of territory.

Authorities in Banteay Meanchey said the site in Svay Chek district is being prepared under a project linked to the Veterans Association, with basic infrastructure already in place. Some houses have been completed and distributed through a lottery system.

Residents from six villages in Ou Chrov and Thma Puok districts were affected by Thai military activities, including barbed wire fencing and container installations along contested areas, the provincial administration said.

Officials emphasised the arrangement is temporary, with families able to return once the dispute is resolved. Government spokesman Pen Bona said the shelters were solely to assist citizens and did not represent compensation or land exchange.

The foreign ministry has lodged a formal protest, accusing Thai forces of violating Cambodian sovereignty despite a ceasefire agreement reached last year.

Phnom Penh said it does not recognise unilateral claims and warned such actions would not affect its legal rights in border demarcation.

Cambodia urged Thailand to halt unilateral activities and respect existing agreements, while reaffirming its commitment to resolve the dispute peacefully under international law.