Cambodia Says Displaced Border Residents Receiving International Support Amid Thai Tensions

PHNOM PENH, Feb 11, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia has said citizens displaced by recent tensions along the Thai border are receiving government assistance and international attention, as officials accused Thai forces of blocking families from returning home.

Government spokesperson Pen Bona told reporters Wednesday that residents in temporary shelters remain unable to return due to what he described as Thai military blockades, including barbed wire and shipping containers. Thailand has not responded to the allegation.

Bona said foreign embassies, international organisations, journalists and ASEAN observers had visited affected areas, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

Over the weekend, the EU ambassador to Cambodia, accompanied by a UNICEF representative, toured displacement centres in Banteay Meanchey province.

Bona said the ambassador expressed sympathy and assured families of continued support.

He pointed to two ceasefires agreed in July and December 2025 and a joint peace statement signed in October, achieved with backing from partners including the United States, China and Malaysia, then ASEAN chair.

But he warned that some actions remained inconsistent with the December agreement, particularly regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Bona said thousands of displaced residents remain unable to return home due to security concerns or property damage, with many children still out of school.

Reaffirming Cambodia’s position, he said the border is based on Franco-Siamese treaties and subsequent agreements, and that Cambodia rejects any alteration of boundaries through force.

“We remain committed to resolving disputes peacefully under international law,” he said.

The comments come as regional observers warn that renewed instability along the frontier could undermine fragile ceasefires and strain ASEAN’s efforts to mediate.