AKP Phnom Penh, January 10, 2026 –

The ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), in collaboration with the Banteay Meanchey provincial administration, conducted its second field inspection to assess the impacts of Thai military encroachment on Cambodia’s sovereignty in the Boeung Trakuon area of Banteay Meanchey province.

The inspection focused on damage caused during the recent 21-day armed clashes from Dec. 7 to 27, 2025, during which Thai forces reportedly used heavy weapons inside Cambodian territory, resulting in severe destruction of infrastructure, residential homes, and civilian property.

In addition, Thai troops were reported to have placed shipping containers and barbed wire within civilian areas, significantly disrupting the daily lives of local residents.

During the inspection, H.E. Oum Reatrey, Governor of Banteay Meanchey province, coordinated with officials from the Ministry of National Defence to facilitate on-site inspections by the AOT at displacement camps in Thmar Puok district, where more than 1,000 displaced families are currently sheltering.

According to local authorities, many homes belonging to displaced residents have been blocked by shipping containers, surrounded by barbed wire, or destroyed by Thai forces, preventing families from returning to their homes and resuming normal daily life.

Boeung Trakuon is one of 14 areas where Thai forces have encroached on Cambodian territory. Other affected locations include Prey Chan and Chouk Chey villages in Banteay Meanchey province; O’Phluk Damrei and Thmar Da International Border Gate in Pursat province; An Ses, Ta Thav, and Phnom Traap in Preah Vihear province; and O’Smach, Knar Temple, Ta Krabei Temple, Tamone Thom Temple, Chob Angkunh, and Chok Krous in Oddar Meanchey province.

By Heng Panha