More than 28,000 Cambodians remain displaced as border areas await resolution

PHNOM PENH, June 15, 2026 (KPT) — More than 28,000 Cambodians remain unable to return home despite a ceasefire that has held for nearly six months, the Ministry of Interior said Monday, underscoring the lingering impact of the border dispute with Thailand.

In its latest update, the ministry reported 28,460 people — including 14,613 women and 9,592 children — were still displaced.

While nearly 620,000 of the more than 640,000 people uprooted by the conflict have returned, thousands remain unable to do so because conditions in some areas have not yet allowed for safe resettlement.

Authorities accused Thailand of failing to fully implement commitments made under the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee, signed after the ceasefire took effect on December 27, 2025.

Cambodian officials said they continue to document alleged violations while pursuing diplomatic and legal channels.

The ministry noted that displacement has disrupted public services, with 20 schools and eight hospitals or health centres still closed in Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces.

No new damage to infrastructure has been reported since December, beyond previously documented cases.

The government reiterated its commitment to resolving the dispute peacefully and in line with international law, stressing that restoring normal livelihoods for affected communities remains a priority.

Officials said securing conditions for displaced residents to return permanently is central to Cambodia’s broader effort to ensure stability along the frontier.