ASEAN Observers Visit Cambodian Border Site Affected by 2025 Conflict

ASEAN observers have visited North Sra’aem village in Preah Vihear province, Cambodia, to assess the conditions of civilians displaced by the 2025 border conflict with Thailand. The Cambodian Liaison Group accompanied observers to North Sra’aem village in Choam Ksan district on August 6 to evaluate the situation in the residential area. This community was struck by Thai F-16 airstrikes and 155mm artillery fire in December 2025, causing severe damage to homes, property, and civilian infrastructure. The Ministry of Defence stressed that the site is not a military installation but a civilian community. The Ministry of Defence stated that Cambodia continues to support the ASEAN Observer Team’s mandate to monitor the ceasefire, promote transparency, and build trust. Government spokesman Pen Bona reiterated the administration of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s commitment to ensuring that displaced people can return home safely and with dignity under international law. According to the Ministry of Interior, over 20,000 people remained displaced as of August 2, including more than 10,000 women and 6,000 children. At the peak of the conflict, more than 640,000 fled their homes, though most have since returned. The Ministry of Defence reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Joint Statement of the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on December 27, 2025, as well as the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand signed on October 26, 2025. The objective is the rapid recovery, restoration of normalcy, and lasting stability along the frontier.