Over 20,000 Cambodian Displaced Persons Unable to Return Home Due to Thai Blockade

PHNOM PENH, July 16, 2026 (KPT) – More than 20,000 people displaced by Cambodia–Thailand border tensions remain unable to return home, Cambodia’s Interior Ministry said, citing continued damage and restrictions in affected areas. In a statement covering July 14–15, the ministry said 20,391 people, including over 10,000 women and 6,000 children, had not yet returned, out of more than 640,000 displaced in total. It said villages and homes had been occupied and damaged by Thai forces after the ceasefire, though the claims have not been independently verified. Public facilities remain closed in Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces, including 20 schools and eight hospitals or health centres. The ministry also reported damage to other public and private properties, noting concerns over construction activities, religious events at cultural sites and land-related initiatives in disputed areas. Government spokesman Pen Bona on July 15 urged early resumption of border demarcation with Thailand, saying the work is vital to allow displaced families to return safely. He reaffirmed Cambodia’s support for the ASEAN Observer Team monitoring the ceasefire under the December 2025 joint statement. Bona said Cambodia remained committed to protecting its frontier under international law, the principle of uti possidetis juris, Franco‑Siam treaties, official maps and bilateral agreements, rejecting any attempt to alter boundaries by force.