Phnom penh: The Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG) on Thursday coordinated a field visit by the ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT-KH), led by its Head of Mission from the Philippines, to the O'Smach area in Oddar Meanchey province to observe, verify, and report on the situation along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the visit, conducted at 10:30 a.m., included an inspection of the deployment of shipping containers, installation of barbed wire, excavation of trenches, and construction of bunkers and roads on Cambodian territory. The inspection also highlighted the Thai military's illegal occupation of the O'Smach International Point of Entry, especially around a construction workers' camp in O'Smach village, O'Smach district, Samraong city. These actions have reportedly prevented many Cambodian families from returning home, as stated by the Spokeswoman of the Ministry of National Defence.

The Ministry emphasized that the area is inhabited entirely by civilians and was severely impacted by Thai military attacks in December 2025. These attacks included F-16 airstrikes and artillery shelling that resulted in extensive destruction and significant damage to homes, property, and infrastructure.

The AOT-KH's observation, verification, and reporting at the site highlighted the urgent need for the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to begin border survey and demarcation work promptly, in line with existing agreements.

The Ministry specifically referred to Point Four of the Joint Statement of the 3rd Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) dated Dec. 27, 2025, emphasizing that implementing the agreement is crucial to ensure that Cambodian civilians can return to their homes safely, peacefully, and with dignity, without any obstruction.