Cambodia Escorts AOT to Civilian Village Damaged During Border Conflict

Cambodia Escorts AOT to Civilian Village Damaged During Border Conflict

PHNOM PENH, 7 August 2026 — Cambodia on Thursday facilitated a field visit by the ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT-KH) to a border village in Preah Vihear province, saying the mission was aimed at verifying the situation on the ground and reinforcing the implementation of the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire.

According to a statement from the Ministry of National Defence, the Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG) escorted the ASEAN observer team to North Sra’aem Village, Sra’aem Commune, Choam Ksan District, where observers conducted on-site observation, verification and reporting.

The ministry said the area is a civilian residential community and not a military installation, describing it as home to local residents affected by the border conflict.

Cambodia stated that the village sustained extensive damage during fighting in December 2025, alleging that Thai military forces carried out attacks using F-16 fighter aircraft and 155mm artillery, causing destruction to homes, civilian infrastructure and private property.

The ministry said Cambodia has consistently supported the work of the ASEAN Observer Team and stressed the importance of strengthening the mission’s role and mandate to help verify the full implementation of the ceasefire, while promoting transparency, accountability and mutual confidence between the two sides.

Cambodia also reaffirmed its commitment to fully implement the Joint Statement of the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) signed on December 27, 2025, the Joint Declaration on the Cambodia-Thailand Peace Agreement signed on October 26, 2025, and other relevant bilateral agreements.

According to the statement, Cambodia said these commitments are intended to support rapid recovery, restore normalcy in border communities, and promote lasting peace and stability.