AKP Phnom Penh, May 17, 2026 —

Cambodia has reiterated the urgent need for the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to begin border demarcation work following an observation mission conducted by the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) in a disputed border area in Banteay Meanchey province.

According to a press release issued on Sunday by H.E. Lt. Gen. Maly Socheata, Spokeswoman of Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, the Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG) coordinated a mission with the AOT led by the Head of Mission on the morning of May 17 to inspect the border situation in Chouk Chey village, O’Beichoan commune, O’Chrov district.

The statement said the area has been affected by incursions by Thai military forces, including the installation of barbed wire fencing and shipping containers. This illegal occupation has prevented many Cambodian families from returning to their homes.

The mission aimed to observe, verify, and report on the situation on the ground, while also assessing the implementation of measures outlined in the Joint Statement following the ceasefire agreement between the two countries.

According to the Ministry, the AOT’s presence in the area highlights the necessity for the JBC to commence border demarcation as soon as possible, in accordance with existing bilateral frameworks and the third point of the Joint Statement adopted during the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on Dec. 27, 2025.

Cambodia stressed that prompt border demarcation is essential to allow displaced civilians to safely and dignifiedly return to their homes without obstruction.

The Royal Government of Cambodia and the Ministry of National Defence reaffirmed their commitment to fully respect and implement the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the GBC, the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand signed on Oct. 26, 2025, and other relevant agreements.

The statement added that Cambodia remains committed to supporting rapid recovery, restoring normalcy, and ensuring long-term peace and stability along the Cambodia–Thailand border.

By C. Nika