AKP Phnom Penh, August 22, 2026 --

The ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT-KH) on Saturday inspected the deployment of shipping containers by the Thai military at five locations along the Cambodia-Thailand border in Banteay Meanchey province, according to a press release from the Spokeswoman of the Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

At 10:55 a.m. on Aug. 22, the Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG) coordinated a field visit for the AOT-KH, led by its Head of Mission from the Philippines, to observe, verify and report on the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

During the visit, the AOT-KH inspected the illegal deployment of 10 shipping containers by the Thai military across five locations in Prey Chan village, O'Beichoan commune, O'Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey province.

The deployment has prevented 1,435 Cambodian civilians, equivalent to 404 families, including 414 children, from returning to their homes.

The AOT-KH's observation, verification and visit to displaced civilians who remain unable to return home underscore the urgent need for the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to commence border demarcation work as soon as possible.

The Cambodian side said this position 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 civilians can safely, peacefully and with dignity return to their homes without obstruction.

Cambodia also reaffirmed its firm position on protecting 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).

The Spokeswoman reiterated Cambodia's respect for the Franco-Siamese conventions and treaties, maps, and procès-verbaux of the Commission of the Abornement of the Boundary between Indo-China and Siam, as well as other relevant agreements and documents previously agreed upon by both sides.

Cambodia stressed that it does not recognise any alteration of the border resulting from the use of force.

By C. Nika