Cambodians Displaced by Border Tensions Surge by 44%
The number of displaced people along the Cambodia–Thailand border has increased by 44 percent to more than 16,000, even as aid agencies shift their focus from emergency relief to targeted recovery efforts nine weeks after the ceasefire.
The number of displaced people in border areas has surged again, even as humanitarian agencies scale back blanket relief and move towards targeted recovery support, a report by the Humanitarian Response Forum (HRF) reveals.
Nine weeks after the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand took effect, humanitarian conditions along the border are slowly improving, but new waves of displacement, growing shelter needs and water shortages are testing aid operations.
The report, produced by HRF in collaboration with humanitarian partners, spans the period from September 13 to October 3. During that time, displacement figures fell steadily until September 22, but afterwards, fresh movements increased. As of October 2, the number of displaced people had risen by 44 percent to 16,049.
More than 14,700 people remain at 25 displacement sites, while 1,300 are staying with relatives or friends. Returns are concentrated in Preah Vihear at least 10,400 people, Siem Reap has 3,990, and Oddar Meanchey has 1,650.
The National Committee for Counter Trafficking (NCCT) reported that 886,550 Cambodian migrant workers had returned from Thailand by September 30. Many households reported that their savings are depleted and income options limited.
The report said security conditions have remained “largely stable”, with no major incidents reported. Access to return areas has improved, but unexploded ordnance (UXO) continues to limit movement and livelihoods in parts of Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces.
Authorities and community leaders report the steady reopening of markets and resumption of basic public services, while clearance operations and risk education sessions are underway.
Mental health support remains a critical pillar. WHO estimates suggest that in 2017, 10.7 percent of Cambodians - about 1.6 million people - experienced some form of mental health-related illness.
With fears raised that the border conflict will impact the mental health of those affected, in response, in September 2025, 65 teachers in Siem Reap province completed training on the Operational Guide of Psychological First Aid (PFA) in Schools.
This initiative equips teachers with the skills to support their own mental well-being and provide "timely and appropriate PFA to vulnerable students".
In addition, humanitarian agencies have supported 162,784 displaced people across seven provinces, while WASH assistance has reached the largest number, nearly 139,000 people.
As sites consolidate, the report highlights that overcrowding has increased, especially during the rainy season. HRF notes an urgent need for comprehensive shelter solutions and essential non-food items, such as mosquito nets, solar lamps, kitchen sets, hygiene kits and water containers.
In response, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has distributed 600 kits, such as shelters and hygiene kits, to 200 households in Preah Vihear province. UNICEF will also run mass hygiene promotion campaigns in Preah Vihear and Oddar Meanchey provinces.
In addition, the Lutheran Hope Cambodia Organisation has provided $120 cash transfers to 450 households to help cover half the monthly costs of providing safe drinking and cooking water.
The humanitarian response is coordinated through HRF, co-led by WFP and DCA, alongside the National Committee for Disaster Management and provincial authorities. They met on September 17 and will reconvene on October 7.
The Cambodia Cash Working Group has been reactivated to coordinate planned cash interventions for early recovery.
The report continues assessments and identification of immediate and long-term needs for the large number of returning migrant workers who are likely to stay in Cambodia. CARE has finalised and shared the Women and Girls Rapid Analysis, with key needs identified.
Photo: Cambodia refugee camp in Banteay Meanchey province, on 28 July 2025. Source: Kiripost
| Themes |
| • Armed / ethnic conflict • Displaced • Displacement • Housing rights • Land rights • National • Property rights • Refugees • Regional • Temporary shelter |
