Cambodia Says 5,000 Civilians Still Displaced by Border Tensions with Thailand
Cambodia Says 5,000 Civilians Still Displaced by Border Tensions with Thailand
BANTEAY MEANCHEY, March 4, 2026 — Cambodia’s defence ministry on Wednesday escorted foreign military attachés from 12 countries to a displacement camp near the Cambodian-Thai border, where thousands of civilians remain unable to return to their homes following recent tensions between the two countries.
The delegation visited a temporary camp at Kandaol Pagoda in Thmar Pouk district, Banteay Meanchey province, where Cambodian authorities say 1,632 families, or around 5,000 people, are currently sheltering.
According to the Ministry of National Defence, the residents fled their homes amid border tensions and remain displaced due to the installation of barbed wire and shipping containers by Thai military forces in certain areas, as well as damage to local homes.
The visit followed an earlier inspection by foreign military attachés of sites in Prey Chan village and the Boeng Trakuon Pass area, where Cambodian officials presented what they described as evidence related to the border situation.
Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, spokeswoman for Cambodia’s defence ministry, said Phnom Penh continues to adhere strictly to the ceasefire agreement that took effect on Dec. 27, 2025, and to all terms of the joint statement reached between Cambodia and Thailand.
She said Cambodia remains committed to resolving the situation peacefully and in accordance with international law while working to ensure stability and the safe return of displaced civilians.
