National
"I Miss My Home": Tears, Anger, and a Broken Promise Along Cambodia's Border
PHNOM PENH, September 4, 2026 – More than 20,000 Cambodians remain stranded in temporary shelters, unable to return to their villages as Thai forces continue to occupy border communities, according to a report by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
The report highlights the emotional toll on families who fled the December 2025 fighting and have not been able to return since. In the government-built "waiting villages" in Banteay Meanchey, residents have set up small businesses such as coffee shops, salons, and grocery stores, while the area also includes a health centre and schools. Despite these efforts, many residents say their thoughts remain with the homes they left behind.
Im Chreab, 48, arrived in April and now operates a cafe in front of her home, serving locals and even Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Cambodia's former leader, during a visit in June. She said she is earning a good income, but her eyes fill with tears when she reflects on her old life. She expressed deep attachment to the home she built over decades and referred to the Thai soldiers occupying her village as "thieves." Keo Sotheary, 39, who runs a small cosmetics stall, also spoke of her longing to return, saying she struggles to hold back tears when discussing the loss of her home.
Six "waiting villages" have been established on land donated by Cambodia's former commander-in-chief, Ke Kim Yan. The government provides subsidies for electricity and water, as well as free school meals. During a visit in June, Samdech Techo Hun Sen announced that residents would be given land titles, suggesting they may remain in the area for the foreseeable future.
During a visit last month, AFP journalists observed that the road to the old village of Boeung Trakuon was blocked by shipping containers and barbed wire installed by Thai forces. In other villages such as Chouk Chey and Prey Chan, they documented damaged homes with bullet holes, abandoned toys, and even an 80 mm rocket still embedded in a road. Commune chief Tol Sarin told AFP that some homes were destroyed by the Thai army and others were bombed, leaving villagers unable to return. Rights group Licadho, citing satellite imagery from March, reported that Thai forces destroyed more than 600 homes and other structures after the ceasefire.
While the Cambodian government has built more than 3,000 new houses and provided food, water, and medical care, residents say no amount of aid can replace their original homes. Some have expressed concerns about their long-term livelihoods, noting that the village's location among open farmland makes it difficult to sell produce locally. Kun Sytha, who left Chouk Chey after her family's home was cleared by the Thai army, has set up a small grocery shop while her husband sells sugarcane juice. She said they are building a new life but remain uncertain about the future.
AFP joins a growing list of international media that have documented the crisis. United Nations Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews has affirmed the displaced families' right to return, but Thailand insists the area is Thai territory. The December 2025 ceasefire was supposed to bring peace, but for more than 20,000 Cambodians, it has become a broken promise. They continue to wait, hoping for the day they can finally walk through their own front doors again.
— Sources:
Yahoo News
H.E Neth Pheaktra:
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1DXy7dt7bS/
Reported by The Khmer Today
