Cambodia begins return to normality, but 84 Oddar Meanchey villages restricted

FILE PHOTO: People look at a damaged bridge after Thailand carried out air strikes in an area between Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey and Siem Reap provinces on December 20, 2025. Cambodian authorities say 84 villages remain inaccessible due to security concerns and war-related damage, even as thousands of displaced families have begun returning home. - AFP

PHNOM PENH: As Cambodia moves to restore normality following the ceasefire with Thailand, authorities say 84 villages remain inaccessible due to security concerns and war-related damage, even as thousands of displaced families have begun returning home, according to the Ministry of Interior.

“In Oddar Meanchey province, 11,106 families have already returned to their homes, while access to 84 villages remains restricted pending security assessments and clearance operations,” the ministry reported on December 31, 2025.