A fragile ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia is under strain after a rights group accused Thai forces of demolishing civilian homes in disputed border villages. The allegations come just weeks after deadly clashes left dozens dead and forced more than a million people from their homes.

The Cambodian organisation LICADHO said on Tuesday that “a significant number of homes and structures” in Banteay Meanchey province had been cleared by Thai troops since the December truce. Satellite imagery and media footage reportedly show widespread destruction in Chouk Chey and Boeung Trakuon, two villages at the heart of the dispute.

“The destruction of civilian homes during a conflict goes against the Geneva Conventions and international human rights law,” LICADHO stated, adding that the clearance “serves no legitimate military objective.”

Cambodia has accused Thailand of annexing the villages, installing barbed wire and shipping containers to create a makeshift border fence. Phnom Penh insists the land belongs to Cambodia, while Bangkok counters that the territory has always been Thai.

For residents, the impact is devastating. Tep Chheang, a father of four, said his house was burned down during December’s fighting and that he is now living in a camp for displaced people. “We lost everything now,” he told AFP. Village chief Pen Rithy added that around 880 families remain blocked from their homes, describing the situation as “like we are being buried alive.”

Cambodia’s foreign ministry has condemned the demolitions as a violation of international law. Thailand’s foreign ministry, however, rejected the claims, insisting that its security measures are “in full compliance” with the ceasefire agreement signed on 27 December.

The dispute stems from colonial-era demarcations along the nations’ 800-kilometre border, where both sides claim territory dotted with centuries-old temple ruins. Despite the ceasefire, more than 127,000 Cambodians remain displaced, underscoring the human toll of a conflict that shows little sign of resolution.

As tensions rise once again, the fate of thousands of families caught between two nations remains uncertain — and the fragile peace along the border looks increasingly precarious.

-2026-01-21

Here we go again!