AOT Visits 645 Displaced Families Near Thailand Border

AOT Visits 645 Displaced Families Near Thailand Border

PHNOM PENH, 15 July 2026 — Cambodia has told the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) that 645 displaced families remain unable to return to their homes because of what it described as the continued illegal occupation of Cambodian territory by Thai military forces, while urging the early resumption of border demarcation work through the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC).

According to a press release issued by the Ministry of National Defence on Tuesday, 14 July, the Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG) coordinated a field visit for the ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT-KH), led by the Philippine Head of Mission, to Ta Koeng Baitong village in Thmey commune, Kulen district, Preah Vihear province.

The delegation met displaced civilians and observed living conditions at the site, where 645 families are currently sheltering.

The ministry stated that the displaced residents remain unable to return home due to what Cambodia described as the illegal occupation of its territory by Thai military forces in several areas, alleging that Thai troops had installed barbed-wire fences, placed shipping containers and destroyed civilian homes.

Cambodia said the ASEAN Observer Team’s visit and verification of the displaced civilians highlighted the urgent need for the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission to begin border demarcation work as soon as possible.

The ministry said this was consistent with existing bilateral agreements, including the third point of the Joint Statement adopted during the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on 27 December 2025, with the objective of enabling displaced residents to return home safely, peacefully and with dignity.

The Cambodian government also reaffirmed its position that the international border between Cambodia and Thailand should be determined in accordance with the work of the Indochina-Siam Boundary Commission and the principles of international law, including the principle of uti possidetis juris.

It further stressed that Cambodia respects the Franco-Siamese conventions and treaties, official maps, the procès-verbaux of the boundary commission and other bilateral agreements previously accepted by both countries.

The ministry reiterated that Cambodia does not recognise any alteration of its international border resulting from the use of force.