ASEAN Observer Team Assesses Humanitarian Situation at Cambodia-Thailand Border

BANTEAY MEANCHEY, Sep 17, 2026 (KPT) — A senior Philippine military officer has visited the Cambodia–Thailand border and a camp for displaced civilians as part of an ASEAN‑led mission to monitor conditions following recent clashes. Brigadier General Antero S. Narcise, Deputy Inspector General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, joined members of the ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia during the September 16 field visit. The mission was facilitated by the Cambodian Liaison Group and included inspections along the frontier and at a displaced civilian camp in Rong Cham village, Banteay Meanchey province. Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said 3,318 families — comprising 13,259 people — remain unable to return home after houses were destroyed by airstrikes, artillery fire and what Phnom Penh described as the unlawful occupation of Cambodian territory by Thai forces. The ministry said Brig Gen Narcise and the ASEAN observers witnessed firsthand the humanitarian impact of the conflict on displaced civilians. Cambodia welcomed the Philippines’ role as ASEAN Chair and the observer team’s efforts to monitor and verify conditions, support the ceasefire and build trust between the two countries. The visit underscored the urgent need for the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission to begin demarcation work in line with existing agreements. Phnom Penh said such a process would help create conditions for displaced civilians to return safely, peacefully and with dignity.