Francophonie Chief Visits Cambodian Displaced Families Near Thai Border

Francophonie Chief Visits Cambodian Displaced Families Near Thai Border

SIEM REAP, March 3 — The Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), Louise Mushikiwabo, and Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn visited hundreds of displaced families sheltering in a pagoda in Siem Reap province on Tuesday, as fallout from border tensions with Thailand continues.

The delegation met 414 families — totaling 1,395 people — currently staying at Wat Thmor Rong, also known as Wat Sampeou Loun, in Kralanh district. The displaced families fled from O’Smach in Oddar Meanchey province following border clashes that authorities say forced civilians from their homes.

Cambodian officials have accused Thai forces of encroaching into Cambodian territory after a ceasefire took effect in late December 2025. While active fighting ended on Dec. 27, tens of thousands of residents have yet to return home.

According to government figures, more than 600,000 Cambodians were displaced during the border conflict. Nearly 50,000 remain unable to return, with some homes reportedly blocked by shipping containers and barbed wire.

During the visit, Mushikiwabo and Prak Sokhonn distributed food and essential supplies to displaced families. The Francophonie chief is in Cambodia to discuss preparations for the 20th Francophonie Summit scheduled to be held in Phnom Penh in November 2026.

Cambodia has reiterated its commitment to resolving border disputes peacefully, while humanitarian needs persist among affected communities.