AKP Phnom Penh, July 14, 2026 -- Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence has renewed calls for the immediate demarcation of the disputed border with Thailand, following a Tuesday visit by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT-KH) to a temporary shelter housing hundreds of displaced Cambodian families in Preah Vihear Province.

The field mission took place at the Wat Peung Angkam safety centre in Tbeng Meanchey district, which currently accommodates 295 families unable to return to their home villages due to the ongoing illegal occupation of Cambodian territory by Thai military forces.

In a statement released after the visit, the Ministry stressed that the AOT’s verification mission highlights the pressing need for the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to expedite demarcation efforts. The call echoes Point Three of the Joint Statement adopted during the Third Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) on December 27, 2025, which commits both nations to securing a safe, peaceful, and dignified return for displaced civilians.

Reaffirming its legal position, Cambodia insists that the international boundary must be resolved under international law, particularly the principle of uti possidetis juris. Phnom Penh maintains that the border must be drawn according to historical instruments, including Franco–Siamese conventions, official maps, and bilateral agreements previously accepted by both countries.

The Ministry concluded by stating that Cambodia does not recognize any alteration of its international borders resulting from the use of force.

By Heng Panha