Nearly 19,000 Displaced Months After Cambodia–Thailand Ceasefire

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 4, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia states that 18,703 people displaced by fighting with Thailand remain unable to return home, more than eight months after a ceasefire took effect, the interior ministry announced Thursday. The ministry reported that over 640,000 individuals were uprooted during the conflict, with 9,437 women and 6,066 children among those still displaced. Officials accused Thailand of failing to fully implement the ceasefire agreement, which was reached on December 27, 2025, during the third special meeting of the General Border Committee. Cambodian authorities asserted that Thai forces continue to occupy civilian areas and prevent residents from returning to their villages. Preliminary assessments cited by the ministry indicated extensive damage to both private and public property. Affected private assets include 1,558 houses, seven civilian buildings, 10 hotels or apartments, four petrol stations, a private market, 34 vehicles, 10 motorcycles, two warehouses, 39 telecommunications towers, and six water-supply facilities. Losses to public infrastructure encompass 26 schools, 14 hospitals and health centers, 74 government buildings, 19 pagodas, five bridges, 87 road sections, and four ancient temples. Notably, 15 schools and seven health facilities in Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, and Preah Vihear provinces remain closed, hindering access to education and healthcare. Cambodia has characterized the displacement and damage as violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, referencing the 1949 Geneva Conventions and the 1954 Hague Convention on cultural property. Government spokesman Pen Bona affirmed that Cambodia respects and implements all provisions of the ceasefire, including de-escalation and verification measures, emphasizing the country’s commitment to peace and stability along the frontier.