AKP Phnom Penh, May 26, 2026 --

The ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) conducted a field mission on Tuesday to inspect the border situation in Boeung Trakuon area of Banteay Meanchey province, which remains under illegal occupation by Thai military forces.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of National Defence’s spokeswoman, the mission took place at 9:30 a.m. under the facilitation of the Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG), led by Lt. Gen. Phat Vibolsopheak, Deputy Director-General of the General Department of Policy and Foreign Affairs and Director of the International Relations Department.

The AOT, led by the Head of Mission under the Philippine chairmanship, visited the Boeung Trakuon area in Kok Romiet commune, Thmar Puok district, to observe, verify, and report on the border situation.

The Ministry stated that the area had been subjected to incursions, the installation of barbed wire, and the deployment of shipping containers by Thai military forces, which continue to prevent many Cambodian families from returning to their homes.

According to the statement, the AOT inspection highlighted the need for the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to begin land demarcation work as soon as possible, in line with Point 3 of the Joint Statement adopted during the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on Dec. 27, 2025.

The Royal Government of Cambodia said the demarcation process is necessary to ensure that affected residents can safely and peacefully return to their homes with dignity and without obstruction.

The Royal Government and the Ministry of National Defence reiterated Cambodia’s commitment to fully implementing the Joint Statement of the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand GBC, the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement signed on Oct. 26, 2025, and other related agreements aimed at restoring peace, stability, and normalcy along the border.

By C. Nika