One year after a ceasefire halted armed clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, the Banteay Ampil district in Oddar Meanchey province continues to grapple with the severe humanitarian and economic aftermath of the 2025 conflict. Local officials report that while active fighting has ceased, the region remains heavily impacted by damaged infrastructure and the persistent threat of unexploded ordnance (UXOs).
The destruction is particularly visible at sites like Wat Kiri Rangsay Thma Daun, where drone strikes and artillery fire from the December 2025 offensive left the temple in ruins. According to Khen Doeun, deputy governor of Banteay Ampil, the second wave of fighting was significantly more destructive than initial skirmishes. District records indicate that 823 homes were damaged, yet only 114 have been repaired due to safety concerns in areas near the border. Consequently, hundreds of families remain in temporary government housing.
Recovery efforts are further hampered by the presence of over 7,000 shells, including cluster munitions, which prevent residents from returning to their agricultural lands. While the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) continues clearing operations, large swaths of the district remain inaccessible. Public infrastructure has also suffered extensively, with reports of damaged schools, health centers, and multiple Buddhist temples.
Nationwide, the impact remains significant. As of July 25, 2026, the Ministry of Interior reported that over 20,000 people remain displaced. Government assessments have cataloged widespread damage across border provinces, including 1,558 homes, 26 schools, and 14 medical facilities, alongside critical utilities like electricity lines and communication towers.
Khen Doeun emphasized that while the government continues to provide essential aid, the path to normalcy is long. "We want development, cooperation between neighbouring countries and peaceful border communities, not destruction that separates families and ruins livelihoods," he stated, calling for international support to ensure justice and lasting stability.
Source: Phnom Penh Post
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