AKP Phnom Penh, May 06, 2026 --

Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF), H.E. Gen. Vong Pisen, has expressed confidence that the Philippines, as head of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), could play a historic role in helping bring an end to armed tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

The remarks were made during a courtesy call and working meeting on May 6 at the RCAF High Command headquarters with Commodore Glenn Z. Dizon, Head of Mission of the Philippine-led ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia, and his delegation.

During the meeting, Commodore Dizon thanked Cambodian authorities for their strong cooperation and support, which has enabled the observer team to carry out its mission effectively, safely, and in a conducive environment. He reaffirmed his commitment to performing his duties actively and impartially, ensuring that no party violates agreements, while enhancing patrols in sensitive border areas.

In response, H.E. Gen. Vong Pisen welcomed the new AOT mission head and commended the team’s contributions to maintaining stability in the past. He also expressed appreciation to ASEAN member states for their solidarity and shared commitment to preserving peace and stability in the region, particularly amid ongoing tensions along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

Reiterating Cambodia’s position, the RCAF chief emphasised that border issues must be resolved peacefully in accordance with international law and existing bilateral agreements, while upholding the principle of not altering borders through armed force.

H.E. Gen. Vong Pisen also pledged Cambodia’s continued cooperation with the AOT under the Philippines’ leadership, expressing optimism that the mission could mark a “historic milestone” in helping conclude the long-standing armed tensions between Cambodia and Thailand.

By C. Nika