ASEAN Observer Team Visits Preah Vihear Temple Area in Cambodia

AKP Phnom Penh, September 10, 2026 -- The Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG) coordinated a field visit for the ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT-KH) to the Preah Vihear Temple area in Preah Vihear province this morning to observe, verify and report on the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border. The field visit, which began at 8:15 a.m., was led by the Head of Mission (HOM) from the Philippines, according to a press release from the Spokeswoman of Cambodia's Ministry of National Defence. The Ministry said Preah Vihear Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a heritage of humanity, has suffered extensive damage from attacks by the Thai military. It said key structures and architectural features of the temple were severely damaged by repeated heavy artillery shelling and aerial bombardment involving unmanned aerial vehicles and fighter jets, which Cambodia said targeted the Preah Vihear Temple area. The Ministry also said that following the ceasefire that took effect on Dec. 27, 2025, Thai military forces continued encroachment on Cambodian sovereign territory, including the deployment of shipping containers, installation of barbed wire, excavation of trenches, construction of bunkers and paving of concrete roads closer to the temple area. According to the Ministry, such activities violate international law and existing agreements between Cambodia and Thailand. The Royal Government of Cambodia has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to resolving border issues peacefully and in accordance with international law, bilateral mechanisms, conventions, treaties and agreements in force, as well as the mandate of the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC). Cambodia stressed that lasting peace between the two countries, contributing to peace, stability and unity within ASEAN, requires genuine commitment and full respect for international law, the ASEAN Charter and existing bilateral treaties and agreements. The Ministry reaffirmed Cambodia's full support for the ASEAN Observer Team and underscored the importance of strengthening its role and mandate to conduct on-site inspections to verify and ensure the full and effective implementation of the ceasefire. Cambodia said the AOT's role is essential to implementing commitments under the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on Dec. 27, 2025, the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand of Oct. 26, 2025, and other related agreements aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and mutual trust. By C. Nika