Banteay Meanchey:Members of the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) have noted the ongoing difficulties faced by displaced Cambodian families unable to return to their homes or resume their livelihoods during a recent mission in Banteay Meanchey province.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, facilitated by the Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG), the observation took place in Rong Cham village, Sla Kram commune, Svay Chek district. The mission, which occurred at 1045 a.m. on November 8, allowed observers to meet with displaced civilians affected by the situation.
The press release from the Ministry of National Defence stated that these families have been unable to return due to parts of Cambodian territory being unlawfully occupied by Thai military forces. The affected areas have seen barbed wire and shipping containers installed, with some homes reportedly destroyed.
The ASEAN observers' visit provided them a firsthand look at the humanitarian impacts on civilians, who continue to face uncertainty regarding their return and the restoration of their livelihoods. The situation underscored the importance of implementing Point 4 of the Joint Statement of the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee (GBC), dated December 27, 2025, which calls for boundary demarcation by the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) in line with existing agreements.
Cambodia reiterated its stance that the international border must be respected According to line established by the Indochina-Siam Boundary Commission, international law, including Uti Possidetis Juris, and relevant Franco-Siamese conventions, treaties, maps, and boundary commission records. The country also rejected any border changes resulting from the use of force.
The Royal Government and the Ministry of National Defence emphasized their commitment to fully implementing the December 27, 2025, GBC Joint Statement, the October 26, 2025, Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement between Cambodia and Thailand, and all other relevant agreements.