Have Most Cambodian Evacuees Returned Home After Ceasefire with Thailand?
Synopsis
In the aftermath of a border conflict with Thailand, Cambodia reports that over two-thirds of evacuees have returned home. As discussions for a special meeting on border demarcation take place, the humanitarian situation remains critical with thousands still displaced. What does this mean for Cambodia's future relations with Thailand?
Key Takeaways
**68.4%** of evacuees have returned home. **204,844** individuals remain displaced.
Ceasefire established on **December 27, 2025**.
Future discussions on border demarcation planned.
At least **101** fatalities reported during the conflict.
Phnom Penh, Jan 6 (NationPress) As of Tuesday, 68.4% of Cambodian evacuees affected by a recent border conflict with Thailand have successfully returned home, according to Touch Sokhak, spokesperson for Cambodia's Interior Ministry.
Sokhak reported that approximately 444,179 out of 649,023 evacuees have made their way back to their residences.
“Currently, about 204,844 individuals, comprising 108,466 women and 66,892 children, continue to stay in displacement camps,” he stated during a press briefing.
On December 27, 2025, Cambodia and Thailand reached an immediate ceasefire after weeks of armed conflict that resulted in casualties on both sides, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
On Monday, Cambodia reiterated its proposal to Thailand for a special meeting regarding border demarcation, which is scheduled for the second or third week of January in Siem Reap province, as per a statement from Cambodia's State Secretariat of Border Affairs.
The Cambodian government has again urged the Thai side, via a Note Verbale dated January 5, 2026, to convene a special session of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission during the same timeframe in Siem Reap province, according to the statement.
The purpose of this proposed meeting is to discuss survey and demarcation efforts, as well as to address issues regarding the Thai military's activities that allegedly violate Cambodia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, the press release indicated.
This new meeting proposal follows the Thai side's postponement of Cambodia's previous request for a meeting during the first week of January 2026 in Siem Reap province, citing reasons related to waiting for internal procedures and the ongoing presence of landmines in border areas.
The ceasefire agreement on December 27, 2025, halted several weeks of intense border clashes, marking the most severe fighting in years between these Southeast Asian nations, which included aerial sorties, rocket exchanges, and artillery fire.
This agreement, which was signed by Thai Defence Minister Natthaphon Nakrphanit and Cambodian Defence Minister Tea Seiha, concluded 20 days of conflict that resulted in at least 101 fatalities and displaced over 500,000 people across both nations.
Point of View
It is vital to prioritize the humanitarian needs of those still displaced while navigating the complexities of Cambodian-Thai relations. The ongoing dialogue surrounding border demarcation should be approached with sensitivity and a focus on peaceful resolution, ensuring stability in the region.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of evacuees have returned home?
As of January 6, **68.4%** of Cambodian evacuees have returned home.
How many people are still in displacement camps?
Approximately **204,844** individuals remain in displacement camps.
What prompted the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand?
The ceasefire was agreed upon after weeks of intense border conflict that resulted in casualties on both sides.
When was the ceasefire agreement signed?
The ceasefire agreement was signed on **December 27, 2025**.
What is the purpose of the proposed meeting in Siem Reap?
The proposed meeting aims to discuss border demarcation and address issues regarding territorial integrity.
