AOT Inspects Thai-Occupied Area Blocking Cambodian Families’ Return
AOT Inspects Thai-Occupied Area Blocking Cambodian Families’ Return
PHNOM PENH, May 26, 2026 — Cambodia has renewed calls for urgent border demarcation talks with Thailand after the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) visited a disputed border area in Banteay Meanchey province that Cambodian authorities say remains under illegal Thai military occupation.
According to a statement released by the Cambodian Ministry of National Defence, the Cambodian Liaison Group on Tuesday facilitated a field mission for the AOT, led by the Philippines under the current ASEAN chairmanship, to inspect the situation in the Boeung Trakuan area of Thma Puok district.
Cambodian authorities said the area had been subjected to incursions by Thai military forces, including the installation of barbed wire and shipping containers that continue to prevent Cambodian families from returning to their homes.
The delegation was led by Lieutenant General Phat Vibolsopheak, Deputy Director-General of Cambodia’s General Department of Policy and Foreign Affairs and Director of the International Relations Department.
The ministry said the AOT’s inspection highlighted the “absolute necessity” for the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to begin border demarcation work as soon as possible in accordance with existing bilateral agreements.
Cambodia cited Point 3 of the Joint Statement issued during the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on December 27, 2025, which calls for efforts to ensure civilians can safely and peacefully return to their homes.
The Cambodian government also reaffirmed what it described as its “firm, sincere and unwavering commitment” to fully implement all agreements related to the ceasefire and peace process between the two countries, including the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement signed on October 26, 2025.
Border tensions between Cambodia and Thailand escalated sharply in 2025 following armed clashes and territorial disputes in several frontier areas, leading to civilian displacement and increased military deployments along parts of the border.
Cambodia has repeatedly called for peaceful resolution mechanisms through bilateral committees and ASEAN-supported observation efforts, while accusing Thai forces of maintaining positions inside Cambodian territory after the ceasefire took effect.
