AKP Phnom Penh, August 27, 2026 --

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.

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, as well as the Thai military’s illegal occupation of the O’Smach International Point of Entry, particularly around a construction workers’ camp in O’Smach village, O’Smach district, Samraong city. These actions have prevented many Cambodian families from returning home, according to the Spokeswoman of the Ministry of National Defence.

The Ministry stressed that the area is inhabited entirely by civilians and was heavily affected by Thai military attacks in December 2025, including F-16 airstrikes and artillery shelling that caused extensive destruction and severe damage to homes, property and infrastructure.

The AOT-KH’s observation, verification and reporting at the site underscored the need for the Cambodia-Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) to commence border survey and demarcation work as soon as possible, in line with existing agreements.

The Ministry particularly 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, stressing that implementation of the agreement is essential to ensure that Cambodian civilians can safely, peacefully and with dignity return to their homes without obstruction.

By C. Nika