Cambodia Reaffirms Support for ASEAN Observer Team to Enhance Border Transparency

Cambodia on Thursday facilitated a field visit by the ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT-KH) to North Sra'aem village in Preah Vihear province, reaffirming its support for the team's role in monitoring the ceasefire and promoting transparency along the Cambodia-Thailand border. According to a press release issued by the Ministry of National Defence, the Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG) accompanied the observers to North Sra'aem village, Sra'aem commune, Choam Ksan district, where they observed, verified and reported on the border situation. The Ministry stressed that the site is a civilian residential area rather than a military installation. It said the village was attacked by Thai military forces in December 2025 through F-16 airstrikes and 155mm artillery shelling, causing extensive damage to homes, personal property and civilian infrastructure. Cambodia reiterated its full support for the ASEAN Observer Team and underscored the importance of strengthening the team's role and mandate to verify the effective implementation of the ceasefire while promoting transparency, accountability and mutual trust. The Royal Government and the Ministry of National Defence also reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to fully implementing the Joint Statement of the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) of Dec. 27, 2025, the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand signed on Oct. 26, 2025, and other relevant agreements, with the aim of ensuring rapid recovery and lasting peace and stability. By C. Nika