Cambodia Dispatches ASEAN Observers Amid Border Dispute with Thailand, Displacement Continues

The Cambodian government has announced the dispatch of an ASEAN observer team to its border area to assess the situation, stating that ongoing illegal occupation of Cambodian territory by the Thai military has displaced approximately 20,000 residents. According to reports, the ASEAN observer team, led by the Philippines mission chief, visited the border region in Banteay Meanchey province, specifically near border marker number 37, on August 4, 2026. The mission aimed to provide the observers with a comprehensive understanding of the border situation based on direct observation and to showcase the Cambodian government's commitment to peacefully resolving border issues through dialogue, utilizing bilateral mechanisms and existing agreements, particularly the Joint Border Demarcation Commission (JBC), in accordance with international law. Subsequently, the ASEAN observer team also inspected and reported on the situation at the Boeng Trachoun border crossing, also in Kok Romet commune, Thma Puok district, Banteay Meanchey province. At this location, over 1,800 families, equivalent to more than 8,700 civilians, remain displaced and unable to return to their homes due to the illegal occupation of Cambodian territory by Thai military forces. These forces have allegedly laid mines, deployed containers, and destroyed Cambodian citizens' homes. This situation underscores the necessity of commencing border demarcation by the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Commission (JBC) as soon as possible, in line with the agreement dated December 27, 2025, to allow innocent Cambodian civilians to return to their homes without obstruction, safely, and with dignity, in accordance with international law. Cambodia highly values the mandate and role of the ASEAN observer team as a mechanism for verifying the implementation of the ceasefire and respect for all agreed points, in line with the joint declaration of December 27, 2025. Through the ASEAN observer team (AOT) and visits to the border by diplomats, representatives of international organizations, foreign journalists, and influential foreign figures on global social media, the invasion of Cambodian territory by Thai forces, resulting in the displacement of approximately 20,000 people who cannot return home, has become clearly visible. This constitutes a grave violation of the rights of Cambodian citizens and international law, which the international community is closely monitoring. In parallel with facilitating the ASEAN observers' mission and other visits to the border region, the government is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts at both regional and international levels. Notably, during an official visit to Malaysia on August 3 and 4, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Prak Sokhonn, paid a courtesy call on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur. Beyond discussing in-depth bilateral cooperation between Cambodia and Malaysia, the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict was a significant agenda item. The Cambodian Foreign Minister expressed gratitude to the Malaysian Prime Minister for his active and constructive role in the peaceful resolution of the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. Both sides also exchanged views extensively on regional and international developments, including the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. Deputy Prime Minister Prak Sokhonn reiterated Cambodia's stance on resolving border issues peacefully, in accordance with international law, treaties, and existing agreements between the two countries. The government spokesperson's office recalled that under the active diplomatic efforts of Prime Minister Hun Manet and with strong support from friendly countries, particularly the United States, the People's Republic of China, and Malaysia, the first ceasefire agreement was signed in Petrajaya and took effect on July 28, 2025. Subsequently, a joint statement on peace was signed by the Prime Ministers of Cambodia and Thailand on October 26, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, with the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as witnesses. Despite this, Thailand has violated both agreements by launching a second attack on Cambodia from December 7 to 27, 2025, with the second ceasefire taking effect. To date, Thai military forces continue to illegally occupy a portion of Cambodian territory along the border and have prevented over 20,000 innocent Cambodian citizens from returning to their homes. Such territorial invasion and violation of the rights of displaced persons are in complete contrast to international law and are being widely discussed by the international community and prominent foreign media. Therefore, the public is informed and urged to continue maintaining strong national solidarity with the Royal Government and the heroic frontline troops to defend the territory and protect the rights of displaced citizens in accordance with international law. All rights reserved: Soth Ly