January 2, 2026
PHNOM PENH – Four days after a ceasefire between Cambodian and Thai forces took effect, more than half a million civilians remain displaced, underscoring the scale of humanitarian disruption despite growing stability along the border, according to the Ministry of Interior.
A government press release issued on January 1 said the ceasefire – implemented from 6pm on December 31 to 1pm on January 1 – had brought calm to affected areas and enabled some families to return home.
However, the overall situation on the ground remains fragile, with 512,263 people still unable to return to their villages due to safety concerns, damaged infrastructure and unexploded ordnance.
The ministry reported that 5,192 displaced persons returned home during the latest reporting period, but large populations remain in temporary shelters or host communities, particularly in Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces.
In Banteay Meanchey alone, 321 schools and seven hospitals or health centres remain closed, while only limited government services have resumed. In Preah Vihear, 61 schools and 14 health facilities are still not operational.
Oddar Meanchey has seen the widest disruption, with more than 200 schools and dozens of local administrative offices remaining closed due to security concerns.
The Interior Ministry said the situation is complicated by extensive damage to civilian infrastructure.
According to preliminary assessments, at least 117 civilian houses were damaged, along with schools, government offices and religious sites. Additional damage was recorded at private homes, hotels, gas stations, rice barns, bridges and roads, as well as electricity facilities.
A home in Battambang province’s Sampov Loun district damaged by Thai shelling. PHOTO: THE PHNOM PENH POST
Authorities also cited the presence of unexploded ordnance as a major obstacle to resettlement.
While calm has largely returned, officials stressed that the process of restoring normal life will take time.
“The ceasefire allows people to return, but only when safety can be guaranteed,” the ministry said, noting that 84 villages remain inaccessible and require further clearance and assessment before residents can go back.
The Ministry of Interior said it is coordinating with national and local authorities to accelerate rehabilitation efforts, including repairing damaged homes, restoring public services and ensuring security in affected areas.
Preparations for resettlement have been completed in 172 villages, but many families remain in limbo.
The statement by the Ministry also reaffirmed that the ceasefire does not compromise Cambodia’s sovereignty or territorial integrity, emphasising that border issues will continue to be addressed through existing international mechanisms.
The government reiterated its support for Prime Minister Hun Manet’s “Quiet but Not Silent” approach, which it said contributed to the safe return of 18 detained Cambodian soldiers.
While the return of calm has been welcomed, the scale of displacement highlights the long road to recovery.
For thousands of families still waiting in temporary shelters, the ceasefire marks only the first step toward rebuilding their lives after weeks of instability along the border.