National
21 May 2026 9:57 AM• 5 days ago• Lim_Rothanaksambath
Cambodia Reports 30,934 Still Displaced as Border Situation Remains Fragile
The Ministry of Interior of the Royal Government of Cambodia has released
PHNOM PENH – May 21, 2026 – The Ministry of Interior of the Royal Government of Cambodia has released an update on the situation of displaced persons and the impact on civilian areas from May 20 to May 21, 2026, reporting that despite a ceasefire since December 27, 2025, the Thai side has not fully adhered to the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special General Border Committee (GBC).
According to the Ministry, out of more than 640,000 displaced persons, over 620,000 (approximately 95%) have returned to their homes. However, 30,934 displaced persons remain, including 15,942 women and 10,356 children, who have not yet been able to return.
Essential public services remain suspended, with 8 schools and 5 hospitals or health centers closed in Oddar Meanchey Province, 5 schools and 1 hospital closed in Banteay Meanchey Province, and 7 schools and 2 hospitals closed in Preah Vihear Province. No new reports of damage to public or private property have been recorded since December 7, 2025.
The Ministry expressed support for the Royal Government's decision to utilize the mechanism of Compulsory Conciliation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to seek a resolution to the overlapping maritime claims between Cambodia and Thailand, following Thailand's official withdrawal from the Memorandum of Understanding with Cambodia.
The Ministry also expressed respect for the guidance of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Acting Head of State and President of the Senate, who on May 12 reminded the Royal Government to proceed directly to the mechanisms provided under UNCLOS without waiting for any agreement from or bilateral negotiations with the Thai side.
The Ministry called on all compatriots to unite in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet, who is leading efforts to resolve the border issue through peaceful means in accordance with diplomatic mechanisms and international law, aiming to restore sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace and stability along the border, and normal livelihoods for people on both sides.
Source: Ministry of Interior, Royal Government of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, May 21, 2026.
Reported by The Khmer Daily Desk
According to the Ministry, out of more than 640,000 displaced persons, over 620,000 (approximately 95%) have returned to their homes. However, 30,934 displaced persons remain, including 15,942 women and 10,356 children, who have not yet been able to return.
Essential public services remain suspended, with 8 schools and 5 hospitals or health centers closed in Oddar Meanchey Province, 5 schools and 1 hospital closed in Banteay Meanchey Province, and 7 schools and 2 hospitals closed in Preah Vihear Province. No new reports of damage to public or private property have been recorded since December 7, 2025.
The Ministry expressed support for the Royal Government's decision to utilize the mechanism of Compulsory Conciliation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to seek a resolution to the overlapping maritime claims between Cambodia and Thailand, following Thailand's official withdrawal from the Memorandum of Understanding with Cambodia.
The Ministry also expressed respect for the guidance of Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Acting Head of State and President of the Senate, who on May 12 reminded the Royal Government to proceed directly to the mechanisms provided under UNCLOS without waiting for any agreement from or bilateral negotiations with the Thai side.
The Ministry called on all compatriots to unite in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet, who is leading efforts to resolve the border issue through peaceful means in accordance with diplomatic mechanisms and international law, aiming to restore sovereignty, territorial integrity, peace and stability along the border, and normal livelihoods for people on both sides.
Source: Ministry of Interior, Royal Government of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, May 21, 2026.
Reported by The Khmer Daily Desk
The Ministry of Interior of the Royal Government of Cambodia has released
The Ministry of Interior of the Royal Government of Cambodia has released