Cambodia Says Thai Statements Acknowledge Displacement Crisis Despite Dispute Over Numbers
PHNOM PENH — August 8, 2026 — Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation says recent statements from Thai authorities, while disputing the exact number of displaced Cambodian citizens, nevertheless acknowledge that a significant number of people remain unable to return to their homes following the Cambodia–Thailand border crisis.
In a statement issued on August 7, Cambodia’s Foreign Ministry said the central humanitarian concern was not simply disagreement over statistics, but the continued displacement of civilians who have yet to return to their communities.
The Cambodian government cited figures presented by Tom Andrews, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, who said that around 650,000 Cambodian people had been displaced from border areas late last year, with more than 20,000 still unable to return home.
Cambodia said the figures are consistent with information gathered by UN agencies and humanitarian partners working in affected border communities, including organizations providing food, shelter and other assistance.
Cambodia Focuses on the Right to Return
The Foreign Ministry emphasized that displaced civilians should be able to return to their homes safely and with dignity.
According to Cambodia, the issue has become particularly important because some communities remain affected by unresolved border conditions. Phnom Penh argues that progress on outstanding border issues is necessary before all displaced residents can safely resume their normal lives.
Cambodia also referred to the Joint Statement of December 27, 2025, which it says included commitments by both countries to allow affected residents to return to their homes and livelihoods at the earliest possible opportunity, without obstruction and in conditions of safety and dignity.
The government is calling for those commitments to be implemented fully and without delay through existing bilateral mechanisms.
Thailand Disputes the Displacement Figure
The dispute is partly centered on how the number of displaced people should be calculated.
Thai authorities have publicly challenged the figure of approximately 650,000 displaced Cambodians cited by Andrews. Thailand has argued that the figure includes people living in areas that Bangkok considers to fall within Thai territory.
Thailand has also urged UN special procedures to maintain neutrality, impartiality and objectivity when assessing the situation and to obtain information from all relevant parties.
The disagreement therefore involves both humanitarian concerns and competing positions over the status of certain border areas.
However, Andrews has stressed that his human-rights concerns are focused on the consequences for civilians rather than determining which country has the stronger territorial claim.
UN Official Calls for a Peaceful Solution
Andrews visited Cambodia from July 20 to July 31, 2026, during his first official mission to the country in his current mandate.
During his visit, he met with communities affected by the border situation and examined conditions involving displaced people.
Following the mission, Andrews said the humanitarian consequences of the border dispute needed urgent attention and called for the underlying dispute to be resolved peacefully so affected residents could return home and rebuild their lives.
He has also indicated that the figures regarding displacement were based on UN reporting and that his assessment of human-rights concerns was not intended to determine competing territorial claims.
The Cambodian government said it cooperated with Andrews during his visit, including facilitating access to displacement sites, border areas and relevant officials.
Cambodia Welcomes Independent Verification
In its latest statement, Cambodia said it remains open to further independent verification by relevant UN agencies and officially recognized diplomatic missions.
The government also said it is prepared to facilitate additional visits to affected areas so that international observers can assess conditions on the ground.
Such verification could help provide a clearer picture of the number of people affected and the humanitarian circumstances they face.
Border Mechanisms Remain Important
Cambodia said continued progress through existing bilateral border mechanisms is essential.
Among the mechanisms mentioned by Phnom Penh is the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), which deals with technical work related to the demarcation of the land border between the two countries.
Cambodia argues that renewed progress on surveying and border demarcation could contribute to creating the conditions necessary for displaced communities to return safely.
The government has also reiterated that remaining disputes should be addressed through peaceful negotiations, existing treaties and bilateral agreements, as well as applicable international law.
Humanitarian Concerns Remain the Priority
Beyond the diplomatic disagreement over figures, the situation highlights the human consequences of prolonged border tensions.
For displaced families, the most immediate concerns include access to shelter, food, healthcare, education, livelihoods and safe communities.
Children and other vulnerable groups can face particular difficulties when families remain displaced for extended periods.
Humanitarian organizations operating in affected areas therefore continue to play an important role in providing assistance while governments work toward longer-term solutions.
Cambodia Says Dialogue Is the Way Forward
Cambodia has said it intends to continue working with the UN Human Rights Council and other international partners on the issues raised by Andrews.
The government expects further discussion at upcoming sessions of the UN Human Rights Council and says it remains committed to addressing the outstanding issues through peaceful means.
At the same time, Phnom Penh is calling on both Cambodia and Thailand to fully implement the commitments contained in their December 2025 joint statement.
For Cambodia, the immediate objective is clear: creating conditions that allow displaced civilians to return home safely, restore their livelihoods and live without fear.
The broader challenge, however, remains finding a peaceful and sustainable solution to the unresolved border issues between the two neighboring countries.
As diplomatic discussions continue, independent verification, humanitarian assistance and continued dialogue could play an important role in preventing further civilian suffering and supporting affected communities.
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