Cambodia Pursues Diplomatic Efforts for Displaced Persons' Return Amid Border Dispute

PHNOM PENH, Aug 6, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia says it is continuing diplomatic efforts to resolve its border dispute with Thailand and enable thousands of people displaced by last year’s conflict to return home safely. Government spokesman Pen Bona said Wednesday that Prime Minister Hun Manet’s administration was pursuing diplomatic engagement to protect the rights of displaced civilians under international law. “The objective is to ensure that all war‑displaced people are able to return to their homes without obstruction, safely and with dignity, under the close attention of the international community,” he said. According to the interior ministry, 20,281 people remain displaced as of Aug 2, including more than 10,000 women and 6,000 children. It said over 640,000 fled during the fighting, with most now back in their communities. UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews voiced concern over the rights of displaced residents, stressing that international law guarantees their right to return. “It is imperative that Thailand and Cambodia work together to expedite the return of displaced civilians. They need, and deserve, to go home,” he said. Cambodia’s defence ministry this week reiterated that the border issue should be resolved peacefully through dialogue and bilateral mechanisms, citing international law, Franco‑Siamese treaties and the mandate of the Joint Boundary Commission. Officials said Cambodia’s position is based on legal principles and historical demarcation documents.