Civil society groups in Cambodia are calling on the government to include villagers who lost land and property in recent border tensions with Thailand in the national social protection system.
The appeal comes from the Center for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights, known as Central. Its executive director, Moeun Tola, wrote on Facebook on February 8, 2026, urging authorities to grant affected families immediate access to the equity card scheme, which provides financial assistance and free access to healthcare and other social services for low-income households.
He said residents from villages allegedly encircled with barbed wire and occupied by Thai troops had lost land, homes, and other assets. Including them in the social security system, he argued, would help vulnerable families receive urgent cash support and essential services.
Moeun Tola also called on the government to allocate new residential land, build replacement housing, and provide farmland so that displaced families can rebuild their livelihoods.
He added that while many residents are willing to seek work elsewhere, they are waiting for official guidance. Some fear that if they leave in search of employment, they may miss any future land or housing distribution announced by the authorities.
On January 26, 2026, the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction held a meeting to select sites for temporary housing for families displaced along the border. The move followed allegations that Thai troops had unlawfully occupied parts of Cambodian territory.
According to the ministry, temporary settlements are planned in five provinces: Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Pursat, Oddar Meanchey, and Preah Vihear.
Land Management Minister Say Sam Al said the sites are intended for families whose homes have been destroyed or who cannot immediately return, as well as for those currently staying in short-term safety centers while awaiting more permanent solutions.
Earlier, on January 2, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation stated that Thai forces had unlawfully occupied 14 areas across four Cambodian provinces. These include three locations in Banteay Meanchey, two in Pursat, three in Preah Vihear, and six in Oddar Meanchey.
Development researcher Meas Nee said recently that since fighting between Cambodia and Thailand was halted on December 27, 2025, the public has yet to receive clear information about how much territory may have been lost or which specific areas are affected. He said citizens also do not know how many properties may have been impacted, or which institution is responsible for providing an official report.
The Cambodia Daily said it had been unable to reach government spokesperson Pen Bona for comment as of publication.
