Cambodia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Keo Chhea (កែវ ឈា), reported on the effects on Cambodian civilians of Thai military actions that he characterised as aggression.
According to the report, in a statement at an open UN Security Council debate in New York on the afternoon of May 21, 2026, Keo Chhea said the July and December 2025 conflicts had caused severe humanitarian consequences. He said about 649,000 Cambodian civilians had been displaced, civilian infrastructure destroyed and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Preah Vihear Temple severely damaged.
He characterised the actions as serious violations of international humanitarian law and noted that violations of that law continued elsewhere in the world. He emphasised the importance of respecting international humanitarian law and protecting civilians in all armed conflicts.
The report also cited Cambodian figures stating that, by May 21, 2026, nearly 620,000 people had returned home after the ceasefire, while about 30,934 remained unable to return. The Cambodian side attributed the continued displacement to barbed wire, shipping containers and Thai troops in parts of affected villages. These figures and explanations were Cambodia’s reported account.
By: ង៉ែត ពិសាន្ត
