ASEAN Observers Confirm Thai 'New Facts' Around Preah Vihear Temple

On September 10, 2026, the ASEAN Observers Team (AOT-KH) conducted a verification mission in the Preah Vihear Temple area, emphasizing the importance of letting 'the facts on the ground speak for themselves.' The Preah Vihear Temple, a World Heritage site, suffered severe damage from Thai military attacks during armed aggression into Cambodian territory in December 2025. Even after the ceasefire agreement on December 27, 2025, activities creating 'new facts' on the ground, such as the installation of shipping containers, barbed wire, digging of trenches, and construction of roads, have been observed. However, these activities cannot serve as a basis for changing the status of sovereignty or border lines. A ceasefire means: no advancing, no creating new facts on the ground, and no creating new borders. The verification by AOT is a verification of facts. True peace must begin with respecting the ceasefire, respecting sovereignty, and respecting international law. Rhetorical propaganda may create narratives to justify violations of international law and aggression, but it cannot change facts, laws, or borders. The truth remains the truth!