Cambodians cannot return to Ban Nong Chan under joint statement
Thai Army says Cambodians cannot return to Ban Nong Chan in Sa Kaeo under the joint statement, as returns must be within each side’s “current area”; no ceasefire breach reported
On December 28, 2025, Col Richa Suksuwanon, deputy spokesperson for the Royal Thai Army, said the army has been closely monitoring the Thai–Cambodian border situation and has strictly complied with the ceasefire since midday yesterday, remaining vigilant and tracking developments at all points along the border. He said there have been no reports of ceasefire violations so far.
Richa addressed social media discussion about Clause 4 of the joint statement, which refers to allowing civilians on both sides to return to their homes. He said Cambodian civilians who previously lived in the Ban Nong Chan area in Sa Kaeo and now want to return to an area under Thai control cannot do so.
He said the joint statement clearly states that civilians from both sides may return to their residences only within each country’s current area, which is linked to Clause 2 defining the “current area” as the area where troops are currently deployed. As Thailand now controls the area, he said it is considered Thai territory, and Cambodian civilians therefore cannot re-enter it.
On Thai civilians returning home, Chairat Kaewphiangphen, deputy director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), said the number of people staying in shelters has declined, but authorities have not yet issued an order allowing residents to return home. He said a careful plan is still required, with safety as the top priority.
He said shelters remain open as normal and continue to care for evacuees, urging people to wait a little longer so returns can be carried out safely. He added that relief and compensation measures would follow.
He also advised residents that once they return, they should inspect their homes, property and farmland, and report any irregularities or damage to local authorities immediately so steps can be taken safely.
