ASEAN Observers Visit Displaced Families in Preah Vihear; Cambodia Presses Thailand on Border Talks

PREAH VIHEAR, July 15, 2026 (KPT) – An ASEAN observer team led by the Philippines has visited two sites in Cambodia’s Preah Vihear province sheltering more than 1,000 families displaced by the border dispute with Thailand, the defence ministry said Wednesday. The Cambodian Liaison Group coordinated Tuesday’s visits to Wat Udom Kiri Tuol Andet safety centre, also known as Wat Thnal Bek, where 395 families are staying, and to Ta Koeng Baitong village, which is hosting 645 families. Officials said the mission aimed to meet displaced residents and assess their living conditions. Cambodia alleged Thai forces continue to occupy disputed territory, erecting barbed wire, placing shipping containers and destroying homes. Thailand has previously rejected Cambodian claims over parts of the frontier. The defence ministry said the observer team’s presence underscored the need for the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission to begin demarcation work in line with existing agreements, including commitments made at the December 2025 border committee meeting. Officials said the process would help ensure displaced residents can return home safely, peacefully and with dignity. Cambodia reiterated its position that the international border must be determined according to treaties, maps and documents of the Indochina–Siam Boundary Commission, as well as Franco–Siamese agreements. It stressed that Phnom Penh does not recognise any changes imposed by force. The visits highlighted the humanitarian impact of the dispute and reinforced ASEAN’s role in supporting dialogue and peaceful resolution.