Phnom Penh:Cambodia has called for urgent action to demarcate the border with Thailand to allow displaced civilians to return to their homes. This appeal comes amidst reports of Thai military forces illegally occupying Cambodian territory in the Chey Chomneas Border Checkpoint area of Pursat province.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the ASEAN Observer Team in Cambodia (AOT-KH) is currently conducting an observation, verification, and reporting mission in the region. The mission, facilitated by the Cambodian Liaison Group, took place at 1125 a.m. on Thursday in Thmar Da commune, Veal Veng district. The area has been reportedly attacked, with the Thai military laying barbed wire and placing 52 containers within Cambodian sovereign territory, thereby preventing numerous Cambodian families from returning to their homes.
The Ministry of National Defence spokeswoman stated that the Thai forces have constructed new flagpole structures, continued road construction, and upgraded military installations, including bunkers and trenches, in the area. The observations by AOT-KH highlighted the urgent need for the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission to begin border demarcation work as per existing agreements and a joint statement from the Cambodia-Thailand General Border Committee dated December 27, 2025.
The spokeswoman emphasized that this step is crucial for allowing innocent Cambodian civilians to return to their homes safely and with dignity. Cambodia also reiterated its commitment to protecting its international boundary as established by historical agreements and international law principles, such as the intangibility of inherited borders.
Cambodia remains committed to respecting past conventions and treaties, including those between France and Siam, and does not recognize any border changes resulting from force. The Royal Government and the Ministry of National Defence have reiterated their commitment to respecting and implementing all relevant agreements, including the Joint Statement of the Cambodia-Thailand GBC and the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement between the two nations.