AOT Inspects Border Area in Banteay Meanchey

AOT Inspects Border Area in Banteay Meanchey

PHNOM PENH, May 17, 2026 — Cambodia said an ASEAN Observer Team visited a disputed border area with Thailand on Sunday to assess ceasefire implementation and conditions affecting displaced civilians.

In a statement, Cambodian Defence Ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata said the mission was coordinated by Cambodia’s Liaison Group and led by the Head of Mission of the ASEAN Observer Team.

According to the statement, the delegation travelled to Chok Chey village in O Bei Chon commune, O Chrov district, Banteay Meanchey Province, an area Cambodia alleges has been occupied illegally by Thai military forces through the installation of barbed wire fencing and shipping containers.

Cambodia said the measures had prevented displaced Cambodian families from returning to their homes following border clashes and tensions in 2025.

The statement added that the ASEAN Observer Team assessed compliance with measures outlined under the ceasefire-related Joint Statement agreed after the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict.

Cambodian authorities said the mission highlighted what they described as the urgent need for the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission to begin border demarcation work as soon as possible under existing bilateral agreements.

Phnom Penh reiterated its commitment to implementing the December 27, 2025 Joint Statement from the third special meeting of the General Border Committee, the October 26, 2025 peace agreement, and other related arrangements aimed at restoring stability and long-term peace along the border.

Thailand had not immediately issued a public response to the latest Cambodian statement.