Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Ceasefire Failures, 18,650 Remain Displaced

PHNOM PENH, Sept 16, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia's Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday that 18,650 people displaced by fighting with Thailand remain unable to return to their homes. The ministry accused Bangkok of failing to fully implement a ceasefire agreement reached late last year, alleging that Thai military forces are occupying civilian areas and preventing residents from returning to their villages. Out of the total displaced population, 9,406 are women and 6,066 are children, forming part of over 640,000 people who have been displaced overall. Preliminary assessments indicate damage to 1,558 houses, seven civilian buildings, 10 hotels or apartment blocks, four petrol stations, a private market, 34 vehicles, 10 motorcycles, two warehouses, 39 telecommunications towers, and six water-supply facilities. Public infrastructure also sustained damage, including 26 schools, 14 hospitals and health centres, 74 government buildings, 19 pagodas, five bridges, and 87 sections of road. Four ancient temples and other cultural sites were also reported damaged. Cambodia rejected allegations by Thai officials that it had used temples for military purposes, calling the claims unfounded. The ministry stated that Thai attacks on Preah Vihear in July and December 2025 caused extensive destruction, affecting 562 locations and scattering more than 70,000 fragments of temple stone, undermining years of restoration efforts. Government spokesman Pen Bona reiterated that border disputes should be resolved peacefully through the Joint Boundary Commission and stressed that cultural heritage sites must not be used for military purposes.