Cambodia Files Complaint with Philippines Over Thai Military Border Incursion

The Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, General Vong Pisen, has formally lodged a complaint with the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, General ROMEO S. BRAWNER JR., concerning an alleged incursion by Thai military personnel accompanying members of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) into Cambodian sovereign territory near the Khnar Temple. The complaint asserts that this action contravenes the principles of the bilateral confidence-building mechanism. In a letter reviewed by journalists, General Vong Pisen expressed grave concern over an incident on June 26, 2026, where members of the AOT based in Thailand, escorted by Thai armed forces, allegedly crossed into Cambodia's sovereign territory near the Khnar Temple, located in the Samrong district, Koun Kral sub-district, Preah Vihear province, without prior notification or any level of cooperation with the Cambodian side. According to the letter, upon entering Cambodian sovereign territory without authorization, the group proceeded to conduct tree-planting activities. In contrast, the Cambodian side consistently informed the Thai party about all AOT observation activities at every relevant level. The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces have repeatedly and clearly stated that the aforementioned area is within the sovereign territory of the Kingdom of Cambodia, as depicted in the attached map, Appendix 'B'. Despite Cambodia's clear delineation of the area's location, the Thai AOT, accompanied by Thai armed forces, proceeded to enter Cambodian sovereign territory without any prior notification or request for consent from the Cambodian side. "The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces consider these actions to be completely inconsistent with the principles of neutrality, confidence-building, and mutual respect, which are the cornerstones of the AOT mechanism's establishment," the letter from General Vong Pisen to General ROMEO S. BRAWNER JR. stated. "Any activities undertaken beyond the agreed-upon jurisdiction, especially in sensitive border areas, risk undermining the trust that both parties have painstakingly built and could negatively impact ongoing efforts to achieve peaceful and sustainable solutions to border-related issues." General Vong Pisen stated that with the aim of preserving the trust and integrity of the AOT mechanism, he respectfully requested General Brawner's support in reviewing the aforementioned actions and ensuring that all AOT personnel strictly adhere to the agreed-upon Terms of Reference and maintain the expected neutrality in their mission. Strict adherence to these terms is crucial for maintaining mutual trust and ensuring the AOT continues to fulfill its purpose as a mechanism for de-escalation and confidence-building. General Vong Pisen reiterated that the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces remain committed to continuing close cooperation with the Philippine military and all relevant parties to maintain peace, stability, and positive dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand. Concurrently, the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces expressed his sincere respect and admiration for the valuable leadership and commitment of the Philippine military in leading the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) under the agreed bilateral confidence-building mechanism between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand. He emphasized that the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces fully support the implementation of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for all activities and operations of the AOT and remain steadfastly committed to fostering transparency, mutual trust, and peaceful resolution of issues along the Cambodia-Thailand border. Source: CEN Cambodia