AKP Phnom Penh, January 15, 2026 -- Approximately 500,000 displaced persons have reintegrated into their communities as of this morning, according to a news release issued by the Ministry of Interior.

The ministry added that an additional 5,820 displaced persons returned to their homes today.

Meanwhile, 144,326 displaced persons remain temporarily displaced and are expected to gradually return to their respective communities, except those whose residences are located in 14 areas that remain unlawfully controlled by Thai forces following the ceasefire that took effect on Dec. 27, 2025.

The affected areas include Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages and Boeung Trakuon in Banteay Meanchey province; O’Phluk Damrei and the Thmar Da International Border Gate in Pursat province; An Ses, Ta Thav, and Phnom Troap in Preah Vihear province; and O’Smach, Knar Temple, Ta Krabei Temple, Tamone Thom Temple, Chub Angkunh, and Chok Krous in Oddar Meanchey province.

To facilitate the full reintegration of all displaced persons and to resolve border issues through peaceful means in order to normalise the situation along the border, the State Secretariat of Border Affairs (SSBA) has repeatedly initiated requests to convene a special meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC). However, the Thai side has requested postponements, citing the need to complete internal procedures to appoint a new JBC composition following the formation of a new Cabinet after the general election scheduled for early February.

While awaiting the special JBC meeting, Cambodia has requested the resumption of joint technical fieldwork in line with the Agreed Minutes of the Oct. 22, 2025 Special JBC Meeting in Chanthaburi province. In a diplomatic note dated Jan. 13, 2026, Cambodia called on Thailand to dispatch Joint Survey Teams (JSTs) to resume joint surveys and the emplacement of temporary markers along the boundary segments between Boundary Pillars No. 42-47 and No. 52-59 on any suitable date between Jan. 19 and 23, 2026.

The SSBA noted that work on these segments began in November 2025 but was temporarily suspended on Dec. 8 due to acts of aggression against Cambodia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Cambodia also requested that Joint Survey Teams be dispatched between Jan. 26 and 30, 2026 to replace 15 boundary pillars at locations already agreed upon by both sides, in accordance with original specifications.

The Secretariat called on compatriots and the general public to place trust in the Royal Government of Cambodia and the Cambodian JBC, which it said remain committed to professionalism, responsibility, and the protection of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

By Heng Panha