August 20, 2025
PHNOM PENH – Displaced citizens continue to stay in sanctuaries across four provinces, after homes and infrastructure near the border were damaged or destroyed during the recent border clashes with Thailand.
The National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) reported on Tuesday, August 19, that a total of 10,784 families — made up of 35,527 people — remained in camps across Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Preah Vihear and Siem Reap provinces, as of August 18.
Preah Vihear deputy governor Kim Chanpanha explained that more than 3,000 families from border areas such as An Ses and Bos Sbov are still staying in sanctuaries. Many of the houses, schools, markets and health centres in their communities were badly damaged during the conflict.
“Some people return briefly when they need to collect medicine or other necessities from the authorities. Those who continue to stay here were living mostly right along the border line,” he said.
“Now that the fighting has quieted down, villagers who live 10 to 20 kilometres from the border are going back to harvest their rice or tend to their cattle,” he added.
Among those who remain are elderly people, persons with disabilities, children and pregnant women.
Many of the families whose homes were destroyed in the recent fighting remain in camps. PHOTO: NCDM/THE PHNOM PENH POST
The NCDM stressed that Prime Minister Hun Manet, who serves as NCDM chairman, continues to pay close attention to the welfare of all displaced citizens.
The government has prepared sufficient food supplies, coordinated through local administrations, with the NCDM secretariat and command structures in charge.
Most of the families whose homes were furthest from the fighting have been able to return home. PHOTO: NCDM/THE PHNOM PENH POST
Kun Kim, NCDM first-vice president, appealed to the displaced citizens who have returned to their homes to follow official updates from local authorities closely, to ensure their own safety.