AOT Under Philippines Leadership Launches First Mission at Preah Vihear

AOT Under Philippines Leadership Launches First Mission at Preah Vihear

PHNOM PENH, May 14, 2026 — An ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) began its first border monitoring mission at Preah Vihear Temple on Thursday as Cambodia reiterated its commitment to implementing ceasefire agreements and restoring stability along the Cambodia-Thailand frontier.

According to a statement issued by Cambodian Defence Ministry spokesperson Maly Socheata, the mission marked the first deployment of the Head of Mission of the ASEAN Observer Team under the Philippine chairmanship of ASEAN.

The Cambodian Liaison Group facilitated the visit at around 8:40 a.m., with the team tasked with observing, verifying and reporting on the border situation around Preah Vihear Temple in Choam Ksan district.

The mission also aims to assess recent developments in the area surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage site, which Cambodia said suffered severe damage during military attacks by Thai forces in 2025.

Cambodian authorities said the observer team’s role in monitoring implementation of the ceasefire was intended to improve transparency, accountability and mutual trust between Cambodia and Thailand.

The statement said the initiative was aimed at supporting a return to normal conditions and promoting long-term peace, stability and security along the border.

Cambodia also expressed support for strengthening the observer team’s role and mandate in future peace efforts.

The Royal Government and Ministry of National Defence reaffirmed what they described as a firm commitment to fully implementing the Joint Statement of the third Special General Border Committee meeting signed on Dec. 27, 2025, the Cambodia-Thailand Peace Agreement signed on Oct. 26, 2025, and other related agreements.

Officials said the measures were intended to accelerate recovery and restore security and stability for communities living along the border areas of both countries.