Humanitarian Response Forum (HRF) - Situation Report 14: Cambodia-Thailand Border Situation (9 January 2026)

This report is produced by the Humanitarian Response Forum (HRF) in collaboration with humanitarian partners. It covers the period from 3rd – 9th January 2026.

Situation and Impact

More than four weeks into the current phase of the Cambodia–Thailand border crisis, the operating environment remains fluid, with reduced large-scale movements compared to the peak of displacement in December. Returns have started in some areas, but conditions vary by location. Response planning therefore covers both ongoing displacement and phased returns, guided by safety, access and the availability of basic services.

As of 8th January 2026, the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) reported that around 475,000 displaced people have returned to their places of origin. Approximately 173,776people remain displaced, including 91,170 women and 56,757 children of whom 64,018 are residing in 127 sites and 109,758 people are staying with host community/relatives. An unknown number from these displaced are unlikely to return any time soon due to contamination of their habitats from UXOs, house damaged, and insecurity. Needs remain significant among households still in displacement, particularly in relation to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, food assistance, shelter and non-food items, primary health care and essential medicines, and protection services, including support for children, women, older people and persons with disabilities.

At the same time, return movements are generating a parallel set of needs in areas of origin. Households are reporting gaps linked to disrupted services and lost assets, including damage to housing, limited access to safe water and sanitation, constrained access to health and education services, and reduced livelihood opportunities. Immediate priorities include ensuring safe and dignified returns through clear information and access to services, restoring basic infrastructure where feasible, and sustaining targeted assistance for the most vulnerable families both in evacuation centres and in return areas, including psychosocial support and strengthened community-based protection and referral mechanisms.