AKP Phnom Penh, January 12, 2026 --

As of this morning, approximately 490,000 of the more than 640,000 displaced persons have returned to their local communities, following the return of an additional 1,880 people, according to the Ministry of Interior.

As a result, 159,592 displaced persons – including 83,249 women and 51,997 children – remain in displacement camps, the Ministry added.

The Ministry noted that while some displaced persons initially returned to their villages, they were later forced to relocate back to temporary displacement camps because their homes had been completely destroyed or were contaminated with unexploded ordnance left behind by the Thai military.

Speaking at a press briefing this morning, Government Spokesperson H.E. Pen Bona said authorities are making every effort to support displaced people, particularly those able to safely return to their homes. Competent authorities have facilitated their return as swiftly as possible while carefully considering safety, livelihoods, and overall well-being.

For evacuees who are not yet able to return home, the Royal Government continues to provide close care and assistance at designated safety centres, he underlined.

The spokesperson further emphasised that, alongside the return of displaced people, schools, hospitals, health centres, and other public service institutions in the affected areas are gradually reopening to meet the needs of local residents.

By C. Nika