520,000 Displaced Persons return home, approximately 130,00 still displaced
520,000 Displaced Persons return home, approximately 130,00 still displaced
#National
The Ministry of Interior of the Royal Government of Cambodia have issued the latest update on the situation following the Ceasefire Agreement from 6:00 AM on 19 January to 6:00 AM on 20 January 2026.
The Ministry states that the aggressive acts committed by the Thai side against Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity have caused impacts and damage in 7 provinces, namely Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Banteay Meanchey, Battambang, Pursat, Koh Kong, and Siem Reap.
As of the period from 6:00 AM on 19 January to 6:00 AM on 20 January 2026, the overall situation is as follows:
1. Situation of Displaced Persons: An additional 5,551 displaced persons returned to their homes. Therefore, out of a total of more than 640,000 displaced persons, approximately 520,000 people have reintegrated into their communities. As a result, there are 127,519 displaced persons, including 67,022 women and 41,765 children, remaining in displacement camps.
2. The Resumption and Continued Suspension of Essential Public Services: In Oddar Meanchey Province, 239 schools, 34 hospitals/health centers, 1 provincial administration, 33 provincial departments, 5 district administrations, 10 competent enforcement units at municipal and district level, 23 commune/sangkat administrations, and 23 police stations have resumed operation, while 21 schools, 7 hospitals/health centers, 1 commune/sangkat administration, and 1 police station remain temporarily closed. In Banteay Meanchey Province, public service institutions at the provincial, municipal, district, and commune/sangkat levels have resumed operations, while 5 schools and 1 hospital/health center remain temporarily closed. In Preah Vihear Province, 32 schools, 12 hospitals/health centers, and public service institutions at 1 district and 6 commune/sangkat levels have resumed operations, while 29 schools (7 damaged and 22 currently undergoing clearance of unexploded ordnance) and 14 hospitals/health centers remain temporarily closed.
3. Impacts and Destruction of Civilian Physical Infrastructure: No new report has been received yet. Therefore, from 7 December 2025, damage to private property includes 980 houses, 7 privately owned buildings, 10 apartments/hotels, 4 gas stations, 1 private market, 34 cars, 10 motorcycles, 1 cassava purchasing warehouse, 1 storage warehouse, 3 cell towers, 6 water reservoirs and water treatment facilities, 1 rice barn, and 2 animals/wildlife. Damage to public property includes 26 schools, 14 hospitals/health centers, 42 government office buildings, 17 pagodas, 1 almsgiving hall, 2 statues, 1 vehicle, 4 ancient temples, 5 bridges, 1 market, 87 road sections, 1 electricity supply facility, and 3 electricity transmission lines. The local authorities continue to assess and collect data on the impacts.
4. Measures by the Provincial Administration and Assistance to Citizens: The Ministry continues to pay close attention to the management and care of displaced persons at displacement camps by distributing food supplies and tents; arranging accommodation, clean water, electricity, healthcare services, toilets, and essential supplies; and strengthening administrative management as well as maintaining security and public order. At the same time, the Ministry also continues to closely monitor and manage the overall situation within the provinces, reinforce public security and order, collect statistics, inspect and address emerging impacts and issues, coordinate assistance and support for the return of displaced persons to their homes, and receive humanitarian aid for displaced persons. Overall, in a situation where some public service institutions remain temporarily closed, local authorities and relevant officials are making continuous efforts to carry out their duties with flexibility in accordance with the circumstances, in order to provide basic services to the public, including services at the commune/sangkat administrations and police stations.
The Ministry of Interior of the Royal Government of Cambodia has been paying close attention to and monitoring developments on the frontline on an ongoing basis, working in close coordination with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces to safeguard sovereignty and the lawful territorial integrity of the nation. At the same time, under its competence, the Ministry has continued to monitor and support the preparations for the resumption of various public services along the Cambodia-Thailand border areas, including municipal, district, and commune-sangkat administrations; municipal and district police inspectorates; commune-sangkat police stations; schools; hospitals; and health centers, among others.
Simultaneously, the Ministry has instructed provincial administrations to continue providing necessary assistance to citizens returning to their homes, based on actual conditions and needs, with particular attention to those whose houses have been damaged and to households facing livelihood difficulties, as well as to conduct welfare visits and closely monitor the situation on the ground.
The Ministry of Interior of the Royal Government of Cambodia fully supports and respects Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, who clearly stated that Cambodia will not make any concessions compromising its sovereignty or dignity. We underscore the utmost importance that the Thai side must be thoroughly reviewing and rectifying all actions undertaken by its armed forces which have altered the security atmosphere in or around civilian areas, consolidated military control, or created new facts on the ground. In this regard, the Ministry of Interior hereby declares its support for the Royal Government’s protest against the actions of the Thai armed forces, which have undermined efforts to de-escalate tensions, particularly by hindering the safe and dignified return of Cambodian civilians to their homes and properties. We once again urge and encourage the Thai side to fully and in good faith implement all the provisions of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee Meeting of 27 December 2025, and relevant agreements, in strict adherence to the principles of international law, under which it is well understood by the Thai side that borders must not be altered by force.
Likewise, the Ministry of Interior of the Royal Government of Cambodia expresses its full and sincere confidence in the national defense strategy and diplomatic policy, in accordance with the Constitution and the Charter of the United Nations, as well as in the “Quiet but not Silent” strategy that the Royal Government has been implementing, which has continued to yield positive outcomes. These efforts aim to ensure long-term peace and to firmly safeguard Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Ministry calls upon fellow citizens to continue upholding the spirit of a single Khmer soul and to avoid propaganda and incitement by any extremist groups, as stated in the message of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet to the people: “the key priority of our nation at this time is to transform the hardships facing the country and the steadfast determination of every Cambodian today into a strong force of national resilience and a sacred national objective, namely, unity and solidarity as one, in order to protect our beloved motherland and to strengthen the Khmer nation in accordance with the sacred aspirations of all Cambodians. In this regard, it is imperative that we unite in solidarity with a shared national commitment to strengthen national potential across all sectors and to eliminate all forms of inaction within our society that weaken the nation.”
In its capacity as the Royal Government’s lead institution for law enforcement and territorial administrative management, the Ministry of Interior hereby calls upon citizens, civil officials, local authorities, competent forces, relevant ministries and institutions, as well as national partners, to unite as one in the enduring spirit of a single Khmer soul.
-Khmer Times-
