Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Border Pact Violation, Hindering Civilian Returns

PHNOM PENH, Sept 25, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia has accused Thailand of violating a border agreement and preventing thousands of displaced civilians from returning home, nine months after a ceasefire between the two countries took effect. The interior ministry said Thursday that 18,621 people remain unable to return to their villages, including 9,381 women and 6,066 children. Officials noted only four more displaced people had returned, out of more than 640,000 uprooted by earlier clashes. Phnom Penh alleged Thai military forces continue to occupy civilian areas, block returns and damage homes and public infrastructure. A preliminary assessment cited 1,558 houses, 26 schools, 14 hospitals and health centres, 74 government buildings and 87 sections of road damaged. Fifteen schools and seven health facilities remain closed in Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces. The two sides agreed to a ceasefire on December 27, 2025, but Cambodia says Thailand has failed to fully implement the deal. The ministry called for the resumption of joint border-survey and demarcation work under the Joint Boundary Commission. Last week, the foreign ministry stressed Cambodia does not recognise any boundary line or territorial claim asserted unilaterally by Thailand, saying the latest developments would not affect its legal position on the international frontier. The government demanded Thailand halt unilateral activities, refrain from further violations and work to de-escalate tensions. Officials warned that continued breaches risk undermining regional stability. The dispute underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the challenges facing efforts to resolve long-standing border tensions between the two neighbours.