Over 67,000 Civilians Return Home as Cambodia Accelerates Post-Ceasefire Recovery

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (Jan. 3, 2026) — More than 67,000 displaced Cambodians have returned home as a ceasefire between Cambodian and Thai forces continues to hold, allowing the government to push forward with post-conflict recovery in border provinces, the Ministry of Interior said Saturday.

In a report covering the period from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 2, officials said 67,077 people had resumed residence in their communities, reducing the displaced population to 326,563, including 171,987 women and 105,333 children.

The figures show that more than half of the 640,000 civilians uprooted since clashes erupted in early December have now gone back.

Authorities said public services in several provinces are gradually resuming, though many schools, hospitals and administrative offices in Oddar Meanchey and Preah Vihear remain closed pending safety checks and demining operations.

Damage assessments since Dec. 7 have reported no new destruction. Previously recorded losses include 323 civilian houses and dozens of public and private facilities across multiple provinces.

The government is prioritizing the rehabilitation of homes and villages, clearance of unexploded ordnance and restoration of essential services to ensure the safe return of families.

The Interior Ministry stressed that the ceasefire does not compromise Cambodia’s sovereignty or territorial integrity, adding that border issues will continue to be addressed through international law and bilateral mechanisms. It urged citizens to remain united, avoid misinformation and support national recovery efforts as the country works to restore normalcy in border communities.