Humanitarian Response Forum (HRF) - Situation Report 13: Cambodia-Thailand Border Situation (2 January 2026)

This report is produced by the Humanitarian Response Forum (HRF) in collaboration with humanitarian partners. It covers the period from 27 Dec 2025 – 2nd January 2026.

Situation and Impact

During the reporting period (27 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026), the Cambodia–Thai border situation remained fluid but showed initial signs of stabilization following the ceasefire that entered into effect on 27 December. Official reporting indicated generally calm conditions in areas along the border, alongside continued caution that the situation remains fragile.

The humanitarian impact remains significant, driven primarily by large-scale displacement, disruption of essential services and damage to civilian infrastructure. According to the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) (as of 1 Jan 2026), 409,149 people were displaced, including 214,486 women and 131,400 children. Of those displaced, 186,246 people were sheltering across 161 displacement sites. This is down from a peak of 649,163 displaced as of 27 December, as over a third of the displaced (240,014) have returned home as of 01 January 2026. While official figures continue to evolve as movements and registrations are updated, the humanitarian needs persist both in displacement sites and among families living outside the displacement sites.

Civilian harm and damage continue to compound humanitarian risks. The Ministry of Interior reported 32 civilian deaths and 94 injuries since 7 December. They also cited damage to private housing and other civilian assets, as well as impacts on public facilities and infrastructure, including schools, health facilities, government buildings, bridges, roads and electricity supply infrastructure, as well as religious and cultural sites. These impacts, combined with prolonged displacement and uneven access to services, are increasing vulnerabilities, particularly for children, older people, people with disabilities, and people with chronic health conditions.

Disruption to essential public services remains a key driver of needs and a constraint on safe and sustainable returns. Authorities reported that some schools, health facilities and local administrative services remained suspended in parts of affected provinces, while phased resumption of services was initiated in other locations, including plans for broader reopening in some areas. Where returns are beginning, they are expected to depend on sustained safety conditions, restoration of basic services, and the ability to address residual risks, including unexploded ordnance. As returns continue, the response will need to continue meeting immediate needs in temporary displacement sites, while supporting early recovery for households that have started to return.