ASEAN Observers Visit Disputed Cambodia-Thailand Border Area

Cambodia has facilitated a field visit by the ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT‑KH) to a disputed border area as part of efforts to verify and assess conditions along the frontier with Thailand. The Cambodian Liaison Group coordinated the visit Tuesday morning, with the delegation led by the Head of Mission from the Philippines. Observers travelled to Boundary Pillar No. 37 in Kdeb Thma Village, Kouk Romet Commune, Thma Puok District, Banteay Meanchey Province. According to the Ministry of National Defence, the visit aimed to give ASEAN observers a direct understanding of the situation and to support observation, verification and reporting activities. The ministry said the visit reflected Cambodia’s position that border issues must be resolved peacefully through dialogue and bilateral mechanisms, in line with international law, existing agreements and the mandate of the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC). Officials reaffirmed Cambodia’s commitment to protecting what it considers its internationally recognised boundary with Thailand. They said the country’s stance is grounded in international legal principles, including Uti Possidetis Juris, relevant Franco‑Siamese treaties and conventions, historical demarcation documents, maps, meeting records and agreements previously reached between the two sides. These include the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding and the 2003 Terms of Reference, which Cambodia says provide a framework for resolving disputes. The ministry added that the observer mission underscored Cambodia’s willingness to engage ASEAN partners in maintaining transparency and promoting peaceful settlement of the dispute. The border issue, involving competing claims along the 817‑km frontier, remains unresolved despite a ceasefire at the end of 2025.