Royal Government Steps Up Efforts to Facilitate Safe Return of Border Displaced Families

The Royal Government of Cambodia has intensified efforts to facilitate the safe return of displaced residents affected by the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict, with priority placed on security, livelihood restoration, and infrastructure rehabilitation.

The remarks were made by Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet in a special statement broadcasted live this evening.

Relevant ministries, particularly the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Interior, and local authorities, are coordinating closely to enable displaced families to return home as soon as conditions allow, the Premier said, adding that the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC), together with other relevant agencies, is actively clearing unexploded ordnance to ensure affected areas are safe before civilians are permitted to return.

Samdech Thipadei also urged displaced families to continue cooperating with authorities and to remain patient during ongoing clearance operations, stressing that safety for individuals and families remains the top priority.

To support the return process, he continued, the Royal Government has established a special task force to manage the restoration of livelihoods and damaged infrastructure in border provinces. The team is currently conducting on-site assessments to identify damage and urgent needs, enabling timely interventions once residents return.

The government is focusing on three key areas: damage to agricultural production, household debt conditions, and the rapid restoration of essential public services, including clean water, electricity, and telecommunications. Damage to schools, health centers, markets, roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure is also being assessed, with reconstruction to be funded through national resources and support from development partners.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to China, the United States, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and other partner countries and organisations for providing financial and material assistance to support displaced families and rebuild essential infrastructure. He also voiced confidence that development partners will continue supporting Cambodia’s efforts to restore normalcy and improve the living conditions of communities affected by the border conflict.

According to the Ministry of Interior, as of the morning of Jan. 10, 2026, approximately 480,000 displaced persons have returned home, while 167,226 people remain in displacement camps.