Cambodia Says Border Demarcation Essential for Displaced Civilians to Return Home Safely
Cambodia Says Border Demarcation Essential for Displaced Civilians to Return Home Safely
BANTEAY MEANCHEY, November 8, 2026 — Members of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) visited displaced Cambodian families in Banteay Meanchey province on Sunday, November 8, to observe and verify their living conditions as they remain unable to return to their homes amid the ongoing Cambodia-Thailand border dispute.
According to Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence, the delegation visited displaced residents in Rong Champei Village, Slor Kram Commune, Svay Chek District, where families have yet to resume their normal lives because of what Cambodia describes as the illegal occupation of Cambodian territory by Thai military forces in several areas.
The ministry said barbed-wire fences and shipping containers had been installed in affected areas, while some residents’ houses had also been destroyed.
The visit allowed ASEAN observers to witness firsthand the continuing humanitarian impact on Cambodian civilians, the ministry said.
Cambodia also stressed the urgent need for the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to begin border demarcation work as soon as possible, in accordance with the joint statement of the third special meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on December 27, 2025.
The ministry said the resumption of demarcation work was essential to enabling displaced Cambodian civilians to return to their homes safely, without obstruction and with dignity.
Cambodia reaffirms position on international border
In its statement, Cambodia reiterated its firm position on protecting the internationally recognised Cambodia-Thailand border inherited from the former Franco-Siamese Boundary Commission.
The government said its position is based on international law, the principle of uti possidetis juris, the Franco-Siamese conventions and treaties, historical maps, boundary-demarcation records and other relevant agreements and documents previously accepted by both countries.
Cambodia stressed that it would not recognise any alteration of the international boundary resulting from the use of force.
The Royal Government and Ministry of National Defence also reaffirmed their commitment to fully and consistently implementing the joint statement of the third special GBC meeting on December 27, 2025, the Joint Declaration on the Cambodia-Thailand Peace Agreement dated October 26, 2025, and other relevant agreements.
The ministry said these commitments remained central to Cambodia’s efforts to address the border dispute and allow affected civilians to return to their homes.
