AKP Phnom Penh, June 16, 2026 -- The ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) visited displaced civilians in Rong Jam village, Slar Kram commune, Svay Chek district, Banteay Meanchey province on Tuesday, as part of efforts to observe and assess conditions related to the Cambodia-Thailand border situation.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of National Defence’s spokeswoman, the visit took place at 9:15 a.m. and was coordinated by the Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG). The observer mission was led by the AOT’s Head of Mission (HOM AOT) from the Philippines.

The purpose of the visit was to observe, verify, and assess the situation of displaced civilians who have not yet been able to return to their homes due to the illegal occupation of Cambodian territory by Thai military forces in certain areas, which includes the deployment of barbed wire, shipping containers, and the destruction of their houses.

The Ministry stated that the visit highlighted the importance of advancing border demarcation work through the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) mechanism. Cambodia said this aligns with Point 3 of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) dated Dec. 27, 2025, which prioritises facilitating the safe, peaceful, and dignified return of affected civilians.

The statement also reaffirmed Cambodia’s position on protecting the Cambodia-Thailand international border as established by the Indochina-Siam Boundary Commission, by respecting the principles of international law, including the principle of the intangibility of inherited borders (Uti Possidetis Juris), and by respecting the Franco-Siamese conventions and treaties, maps, and the procès-verbaux of the Commission of the Abornement of the Boundary between Indo-China and Siam, as well as relevant agreements and documents that both parties have previously agreed upon.

Cambodia reiterated that it does not recognise any alteration of borders through the use of force and reaffirmed support for resolving border-related issues through agreed legal and diplomatic frameworks.

By C. Nika