AKP Phnom Penh, July 14, 2026 —

The ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT-KH) conducted two field visits on Tuesday to sites hosting displaced civilians in Preah Vihear province, according to the Spokeswoman of the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence.

The Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG) coordinated the visits for the AOT-KH, led by the Head of Mission from the Philippines. The first visit took place at 11:06 hrs at Wat Udom Kiri Tuol Andet safety centre, also known as Wat Thnal Bek, in Thmey commune, Kulen district, where 395 families are currently sheltering. A second visit followed at 11:45 hrs at Ta Koeng Baitong village, also in Thmey commune, Kulen district, where the team observed living conditions among 645 displaced families.

The Ministry stated that, to date, all displaced civilians remain unable to return to their homes due to the illegal occupation of Cambodian territory by Thai military forces in several areas. The statement cited specific obstructions, including the installation of barbed wire fences, the placement of shipping containers, and the destruction of residential properties.

The ASEAN Observer Team’s observations, verification, and visits to civilians still unable to return home, the Ministry noted, underscore the absolute necessity for the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to launch border demarcation work as soon as possible. The Ministry emphasised that this aligns with existing bilateral agreements, particularly point three of the Joint Statement from the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) held on Dec. 27, 2025, which aims to ensure that citizens can safely, peacefully, and with dignity return to their homes without any obstruction.

Reaffirming its longstanding position, Cambodia stated that it maintains a firm stance on protecting the Cambodia–Thailand international border as established by the Indochina–Siam Boundary Commission. Cambodia reiterated its respect for international law, including the principle of the intangibility of inherited borders (Uti Possidetis Juris), and affirmed its adherence to the Franco–Siamese conventions and treaties, official maps, the procès-verbaux of the Commission of the Abornement of the Boundary between Indo-China and Siam, as well as all relevant agreements and documents previously accepted by both parties. Cambodia absolutely does not recognise any border alterations resulting from the use of force.

By C. Nika