Philippine Military Official Inspects Cambodia-Thailand Border Situation and Refugee Camp

According to an announcement by the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense, a delegation from the Armed Forces of the Republic of the Philippines, along with the ASEAN Observer Team–Cambodia (AOT-KH), conducted an on-site inspection of the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border and at a refugee camp located in Rom Cham village, Banteay Meanchey province, on September 16, 2026. The spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense stated that on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 16:22, the Coordination Team (CLG) of the Kingdom of Cambodia facilitated the visit for Brigadier General ANTERO S. NARCISE PN (M), Deputy Inspector General of the Armed Forces of the Republic of the Philippines, and the ASEAN Observer Team–Cambodia (AOT-KH). The purpose was to conduct an on-site inspection of the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border and within the refugee camp in Rom Cham village, Banteay Meanchey province. Currently, 3,318 families, equivalent to 13,259 people, reside in this camp and are still unable to return to their homes. This is because their residences have suffered severe damage from aerial bombardments and artillery shelling, as well as illegal occupation by Thai military forces. Sources indicate that Cambodia welcomes the role of the Philippines as ASEAN Chair and the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) in observing and verifying the actual situation, and in supporting the implementation of the ceasefire and confidence-building measures between Cambodia and Thailand. It should also be noted that the direct observation, inspection, and verification by Brigadier General ANTERO S. NARCISE PN (M) and the ASEAN Observer Team at the aforementioned refugee camp provided the delegation with an opportunity to witness firsthand the humanitarian impact that Cambodian civilians continue to face. It also clearly demonstrated the absolute necessity of commencing demarcation work by the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Border Commission (JBC) as soon as possible. This is in accordance with the existing agreement stipulated in point four of the joint declaration from the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on December 27, 2025. This initiative aims to allow innocent Cambodian civilians to return to their residences without obstruction, and with safety and dignity. By: Bunrith, Source: Ministry of National Defense © All rights reserved by National News Agency of Cambodia 2018