National
• 1 hour ago• Lim_Rothanaksambath
Thai Military Blocking Return of 18,700 Civilians, Destroying Homes and Schools: Cambodia's Interior Ministry
PHNOM PENH, August 24, 2026 – Eight months after the ceasefire, Cambodian authorities say Thai forces are still preventing more than 18,700 civilians from returning to their homes—while continuing to destroy property and build new military positions on Cambodian soil.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Interior, the ongoing obstruction affects 18,703 people, including 9,437 women and 6,066 children, who remain displaced as of August 23. The ministry described the situation as a direct consequence of Thailand's continued unlawful occupation of civilian areas, in violation of the 1949 Geneva Conventions.
The scale of destruction is extensive. Preliminary assessments show that private property losses include 1,558 homes, 10 hotels, 4 gas stations, and 34 vehicles, along with essential infrastructure such as water facilities and cell towers. Public infrastructure has also been severely hit, with 26 schools, 14 health centres, 74 government buildings, 19 pagodas, and 4 ancient temples damaged or destroyed. The ministry noted that the targeting of cultural sites violates the 1954 Hague Convention.
Photo: H.E Neth Pheaktra
In addition, 15 schools and 7 health centres in three provinces remain closed, cutting off thousands of children and families from education and healthcare.
The ministry also reported that Thai forces have continued construction of new roads and military bunkers in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces in recent weeks, in clear violation of both the 2000 border demarcation agreement and the December 2025 Joint Statement.
Cambodia reaffirmed its position that unilateral actions and the use of force cannot change the legal status of its territory, and that it does not recognise any boundary line established through unlawful occupation.
— Source: H.E Sar Sokha, Minister of Ministry of Interior
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
According to a press release from the Ministry of Interior, the ongoing obstruction affects 18,703 people, including 9,437 women and 6,066 children, who remain displaced as of August 23. The ministry described the situation as a direct consequence of Thailand's continued unlawful occupation of civilian areas, in violation of the 1949 Geneva Conventions.
The scale of destruction is extensive. Preliminary assessments show that private property losses include 1,558 homes, 10 hotels, 4 gas stations, and 34 vehicles, along with essential infrastructure such as water facilities and cell towers. Public infrastructure has also been severely hit, with 26 schools, 14 health centres, 74 government buildings, 19 pagodas, and 4 ancient temples damaged or destroyed. The ministry noted that the targeting of cultural sites violates the 1954 Hague Convention.
Photo: H.E Neth PheaktraIn addition, 15 schools and 7 health centres in three provinces remain closed, cutting off thousands of children and families from education and healthcare.
The ministry also reported that Thai forces have continued construction of new roads and military bunkers in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear provinces in recent weeks, in clear violation of both the 2000 border demarcation agreement and the December 2025 Joint Statement.
Cambodia reaffirmed its position that unilateral actions and the use of force cannot change the legal status of its territory, and that it does not recognise any boundary line established through unlawful occupation.
— Source: H.E Sar Sokha, Minister of Ministry of Interior
Reported by The Khmer Daily Network
