Government efforts on return to normality, with 84 Oddar Meanchey villages restricted
A house in Samrong city destroyed by Thai shelling during the fighting between December 7-27. Hong Raksmey
#National
As Cambodia moves to restore normality following the ceasefire with Thailand, authorities say 84 villages remain inaccessible due to security concerns and war-related damage, even as thousands of displaced families have begun returning home, according to the Ministry of Interior.
“In Oddar Meanchey province, 11,106 families have already returned to their homes, while access to 84 villages remains restricted pending security assessments and clearance operations,” the ministry reported on December 31, 2025.
“Another 72 villages in the province have been prepared for resettlement, with housing arrangements coordinated by local authorities,” it said.
In neighbouring Banteay Meanchey province, 3,159 families have also returned to their homes. There are no reports from other affected provinces.
Oddar Meanchey Governor Mean Chanyada said returns must proceed cautiously and in line with safety evaluations, stressing that the ceasefire does not automatically mean all areas are safe for civilians.
“The ceasefire allows people to return, but only when their safety can be guaranteed,” he said, citing the fourth point of the ceasefire agreement, which calls for facilitating returns under secure conditions.
Oddar Meanchey authorities have divided affected areas into three categories to guide the process. Red zones, including border areas and strategic roads stretching more than 200 kilometres, remain highly dangerous and strictly off-limits.
Yellow zones are contaminated by unexploded ordnance and cluster munitions and require clearance by the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC). White zones are considered safe for civilians to return.
“People are returning in two ways,” Governor Chanyada said. “Some go briefly to check on their homes and livestock, while others return officially under the guidance of the authorities, which is based on safety assessments.”
The Ministry of Interior said it is working closely with relevant institutions and sub-national administrations to restore essential public services and ensure safe living conditions in affected areas.
Priority measures include repairing damaged homes and villages, clearing unexploded ordnance, and maintaining security, particularly in border provinces heavily impacted by the fighting.
Authorities also confirmed that a nationwide ban on unmanned aerial vehicles remains in effect as a precautionary measure.
The rehabilitation efforts form part of broader post-ceasefire stabilisation measures, with the government emphasising that restoring daily life and public services is key to long-term peace and public confidence following weeks of conflict.
-The Phnom Penh Post-
