Philippines to Enhance ASEAN Border Monitoring Team for Cambodia-Thailand Dispute

The Philippines, as the rotating chair of ASEAN, will continue to strengthen the role and effectiveness of the ASEAN Observers Team (AOT) regarding the Cambodia-Thailand border dispute. This was reaffirmed by Brigadier General Antero S. Nacis, Deputy Inspector General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, during a meeting with Cambodian Army Commander-in-Chief General Vong Pisen in Phnom Penh on the morning of September 15, 2026. During the meeting, both sides discussed the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand, with a focus on the work of the ASEAN Observers Team (AOT), currently led by the Philippines. Cambodia has consistently supported the observer team. General Vong Pisen expressed gratitude to the Philippine government and Ministry of National Defense for deploying observer forces to Cambodia to help verify and monitor the implementation of the ceasefire along the Cambodia-Thailand border more effectively. The Cambodian Commander-in-Chief also briefed the Philippine military official on the actual evolving situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border. In response, Brigadier General Antero S. Nacis affirmed that the Philippines will continue to monitor the work of the AOT and further strengthen the effectiveness of the observer forces in fulfilling their duties. The enhancement of the AOT's role is aimed at contributing to de-escalating tensions and ensuring the effective implementation of the ceasefire, the Philippine military official added. It is noteworthy that Brigadier General Antero S. Nacis is on a visit to Cambodia, which General Vong Pisen considers a contribution to further strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries.