Cambodia Urges Border Talks After ASEAN Observers Visit Disputed Area

PHNOM PENH, July 7, 2026 (KPT) – Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence said Monday that an ASEAN observer team inspected sections of the Cambodia–Thailand border in Battambang Province and urged the immediate resumption of bilateral boundary talks. The ASEAN Observer Team–Cambodia (AOT-KH), led by its Philippine Head of Mission, visited the area between Border Pillars No. 52 and No. 59 in Kamrieng District at 12:15 local time, according to the ministry. Officials said the delegation inspected land near Border Pillars No. 52 to No. 54, where Cambodia alleges the Thai military has unilaterally built a border fence. Observers also noted damage to temporary markers, which Cambodian authorities attributed to the construction. After receiving a technical briefing on previous joint survey and demarcation work, the team visited additional sites between Border Pillars No. 52 and No. 59. Cambodian officials said Thai nationals were occupying land claimed by Cambodia for farming. Phnom Penh said it has lodged formal diplomatic protests, arguing the activities violate procedures under the Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC). The ministry urged the JBC to convene “as soon as possible” to address the disputes. The visit was intended to give ASEAN observers a first-hand view of the situation, the ministry said, adding that Cambodia remains committed to resolving border issues peacefully through dialogue, in line with international law, bilateral treaties and JBC mechanisms.