18,700 Cambodians Still Displaced as Thai Forces Block Return, Destroy Property: Ministry

PHNOM PENH, August 24, 2026 – More than 18,700 Cambodian civilians—including over 6,000 children—remain unable to return to their homes more than eight months after the ceasefire, as Thai military forces continue to occupy civilian areas and block access to villages, according to a Ministry of Interior press release.

Out of more than 640,000 displaced persons, 18,703 individuals—including 9,437 women and 6,066 children—remain stranded as of August 23, 2026. The ministry attributed this to continued unlawful occupation by Thai forces and the destruction of homes and civilian property after the ceasefire, noting that these actions constitute serious violations of the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

Preliminary assessments show extensive damage to private property, including 1,558 houses, 10 hotels, and 34 vehicles, as well as public infrastructure such as 26 schools, 14 health centres, 74 government buildings, 19 pagodas, and 4 ancient temples. The destruction of cultural property is a violation of the 1954 Hague Convention.

The ministry also reported that Thai armed forces have continued construction activities along the border, including new roads and military bunkers in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces, in violation of the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding and the December 2025 Joint Statement.

Cambodia reiterated its rejection of any unilateral alteration of the border and its position that unlawful occupation does not confer rights of possession.

— Source: H.E Sar Sokha, Minister of Ministry of Interior

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Reported by The khmer Today