Peace Efforts Continue as Most Displaced Residents Return From Cambodia‑Thailand Border

PHNOM PENH, May 11, 2026 (KPT) — More than 95 percent of civilians displaced by border tensions with Thailand have returned home, Cambodia’s interior ministry said Monday, as the government continues diplomatic efforts to secure lasting peace and stability along the frontier.

Officials reported that out of more than 640,000 people uprooted by the conflict, over 610,000 have returned to their communities following the ceasefire that took effect on December 27, 2025. However, 32,843 residents — including nearly 17,000 women and 11,000 children — remain unable to return.

The ministry said several schools and hospitals in Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces remain closed, though no new damage to civilian infrastructure has been reported since December beyond previously documented cases.

Cambodia reiterated concerns that Thailand has not fully implemented commitments under the joint statement reached during the third Special General Border Committee meeting after the ceasefire. At the same time, officials stressed Cambodia continues to pursue legal and diplomatic solutions while supporting affected civilians.

The ministry welcomed the outcome of a trilateral meeting involving Cambodia, Thailand and the Philippines on May 7, during which Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to de‑escalation and peaceful dialogue.

Samdech Thipadei stressed that Cambodia does not recognize any attempt to alter border lines by force and called for full implementation of the ceasefire to allow demarcation work to resume under the Joint Boundary Commission mechanism in accordance with international law.

The government also urged Cambodians at home and abroad to support diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring sovereignty, territorial integrity and normal livelihoods for border communities.