More Than 21,000 Displaced People Remain Unable to Return Home as Thai Barriers Block Access

PHNOM PENH, June 23, 2026 (KPT) — More than 21,000 Cambodians displaced by the border conflict remain unable to return home, with authorities alleging that barriers erected by Thai forces continue to block access to affected areas.

The Ministry of Interior said 21,642 people, including 11,108 women and 6,216 children, remain away from their communities despite ongoing efforts to facilitate their return.

Officials reported that 736 displaced residents returned between June 22 and 23. Of the more than 640,000 people uprooted by the conflict, nearly 620,000 — about 96 percent — have now gone back.

Authorities said some families remain unable to return because of conditions along the frontier. Cambodian officials have previously alleged that shipping containers and barbed‑wire barriers installed by Thai forces have obstructed access routes.

The ministry said it continues to monitor the situation and provide humanitarian support. Temporary accommodation has been established for those still displaced, with assistance delivered through ministries, local authorities and aid programmes.

Public services remain disrupted in several provinces. In Oddar Meanchey, eight schools and five hospitals or health centres remain closed.

In Banteay Meanchey, five schools and one health facility are suspended, while in Preah Vihear, seven schools and two health centres remain shut.

No new damage to civilian infrastructure has been recorded since December 7, 2025, beyond previously documented cases.

The ministry reiterated support for the government’s diplomatic efforts to resolve the border issue and welcomed the decision to issue a diplomatic note on June 15 urging Thailand to dispatch Joint Survey Teams to resume field operations in line with agreements reached at the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee in December 2025.

Cambodia remains committed to pursuing a peaceful resolution through diplomatic mechanisms and international law, with the aim of restoring stability along the border and enabling all displaced residents to return safely and with dignity to their homes.