Cambodia Tells UN More Than 20,000 Civilians Remain Unable to Return Home

NEW YORK, October 15, 2026 — Cambodia has rejected Thailand’s allegations concerning the border dispute between the two countries, accusing Thai forces of continuing activities in Cambodian territory despite a ceasefire and urging Bangkok to return to negotiations under international law.

In a letter dated September 29, 2026, and circulated as a document of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Cambodia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Chhea Keo, responded to remarks delivered by Thailand’s ambassador and permanent representative, Cherdchai Chaivaivid, during the General Assembly’s general debate on September 28.

Cambodia said Thailand’s account distorted the historical record and omitted key facts about the border conflict.

#Cambodia alleges continued military activity after ceasefire

According to the Cambodian letter, Thai armed forces launched military operations against Cambodian positions along the border on July 24, 2025. Cambodia further alleged that the operations expanded into a full-scale offensive on December 7, 2025, involving tanks, heavy artillery, F-16 and Saab JAS 39 Gripen aircraft, drones and cluster munitions across several Cambodian provinces.

Cambodia said it had repeatedly documented the alleged attacks and raised its objections through diplomatic channels.

The letter also accused Thai forces of continuing incursions following the ceasefire established under a joint statement on December 27, 2025. Cambodia cited the alleged presence of Thai troops, the construction of fortifications, the installation of barbed wire and shipping containers, and the unilateral pushing of frontier zones into Cambodian territory.

Phnom Penh argued that such actions were inconsistent with commitments made by both countries to de-escalate tensions, rebuild confidence and avoid actions that could aggravate the dispute.

#Cambodia rejects allegations over landmines

Cambodia also categorically rejected Thailand’s allegations concerning what Bangkok described as newly planted Cambodian landmines.

The Cambodian government said its commitment to the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention was rooted in its treaty obligations and its own experience of the humanitarian consequences of landmines.

Cambodia called for any allegations of non-compliance to be supported by objective evidence, transparency and independent verification. It reiterated its request for a joint, independent and impartial investigation.

The letter argued that the convention’s compliance mechanisms should not be used as instruments of political pressure or as a means of advancing bilateral territorial claims.

#More than 20,000 Cambodians reportedly unable to return home

Cambodia identified the humanitarian situation along the border as an immediate concern, stating that more than 20,000 Cambodian civilians remained unable to return to their homes because of what it described as continued military occupation and obstruction.

The letter cited the installation of barbed wire and shipping containers and referred to maps that Cambodia said showed areas under Thai occupation extending beyond the locations depicted on Thailand’s unilateral maps.

It also cited remarks by a United Nations special rapporteur during a visit to the border in July, saying affected residents “need, and deserve, to go home”.

Cambodia urged Thailand to honour the ceasefire and the December 27 joint statement through the full implementation of commitments made by both sides, including the resumption of work by the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission.

#Phnom Penh defends use of international legal mechanisms

The Cambodian government rejected Thailand’s suggestion that Cambodia was seeking to internationalise the dispute improperly.

According to the letter, Cambodia said resorting to mechanisms established under the UN Charter and treaties accepted by both countries represented a peaceful means of resolving disputes under international law.

Cambodia also said Thailand had decided to terminate unilaterally the 2001 memorandum of understanding, which the letter described as the only existing legal framework specifically established to address the two countries’ maritime disputes.

Following that decision, Cambodia said it had initiated compulsory conciliation proceedings under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The letter described conciliation as an opportunity to bridge differences, rebuild trust and establish a stronger foundation for peaceful relations.

#Cambodia calls for concrete commitments to restore trust

Cambodia said it shared Thailand’s stated aspiration to open a “new chapter” in bilateral relations but argued that progress could not be achieved through competing narratives or unilateral actions.

The letter cited remarks attributed to Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in May 2026 concerning Thailand’s conditions for resolving the border situation. Cambodia argued that restoring trust required concrete commitments, an end to alleged unlawful activities and restraint from further unilateral actions.

The Cambodian government concluded by reaffirming its commitment to resolving outstanding issues peacefully, in accordance with the UN Charter, international law and existing bilateral agreements.

The letter was submitted for circulation as a document of the UN General Assembly under agenda item 8, concerning the general debate.

The allegations and characterisations in the letter represent Cambodia’s official position. The document itself does not establish an independent finding on the disputed events.