AKP Phnom Penh, August 22, 2026 --

A field visit by the ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT-KH) along the Cambodia-Thailand border has underscored the urgent need for the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to launch border demarcation work as soon as possible.

According to the Spokeswoman of the Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia, the Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG) coordinated the AOT-KH field visit at 8:32 a.m. on Saturday, led by the Head of Mission from the Philippines, to observe, verify and report on the situation along the border.

During the mission, the AOT-KH inspected the deployment of 62 shipping containers at five locations in Chok Chey village, O'Beichoan commune, O'Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province.

The ministry said the deployment by the Thai military has prevented 3,951 Cambodian civilians, equivalent to 1,045 families, including 1,155 children, from returning to their homes.

The AOT-KH’s observation, verification and visit to displaced civilians who remain unable to return home highlighted the importance of launching border demarcation work through the JBC without delay, according to the Ministry.

Cambodia said the call is consistent with existing agreements, particularly Point 4 of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on Dec. 27, 2025, which aims to ensure that citizens can safely, peacefully and with dignity return to their homes without obstruction.

The Royal Government of Cambodia reaffirmed its firm position on safeguarding the Cambodia-Thailand international border as established by the Indochina-Siam Boundary Commission, in accordance with international law and the principle of the intangibility of inherited borders (Uti Possidetis Juris).

Cambodia also reaffirmed its respect for the Franco-Siamese conventions and treaties, relevant maps and procès-verbaux of the boundary commissions, as well as other agreements and documents previously agreed upon by both sides.

The Ministry stressed that Cambodia does not recognise any alteration of the international border resulting from the use of force, and reiterated its commitment to resolving border issues through peaceful and lawful mechanisms.

By C. Nika