Background
The Ministry of National Defence reported that an ASEAN Observer Team conducted observation, verification and reporting at Chok Chey Village, O Bei Chon Commune, O Chrov District, Banteay Meanchey Province, on 17 May 2026.
The Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) is the bilateral mechanism established to carry out on-the-ground boundary surveys and demarcation tasks agreed by both governments. The Ministry stated that immediate JBC demarcation is necessary to enable displaced Cambodian families to return to their homes without obstruction and to implement provisions contained in joint statements signed in 2025.
Key Developments
On 17 May 2026 the Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG) coordinated with the ASEAN Observer Team (AOT), led by the Head of Mission, to inspect and report on border conditions at a location the ministry described as occupied by Thai military personnel. The ministry reported that barbed wire and shipping containers had been placed at the site and that civilian families remained unable to return to their residences.
Officials cited the third point of the Joint Statement from the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) on 27 December 2025 and the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement of 26 October 2025 as the frameworks guiding requests for prompt demarcation and implementation of agreed measures.
Institutional Role
The Cambodian Liaison Group functions as the mechanism for coordinating Cambodia’s participation in observation missions with ASEAN observers and domestic authorities. ASEAN Observer Team deployments are designed to observe and report on compliance with confidence-building measures and joint statements agreed by Cambodia and Thailand, according to the ministry’s announcement.
Operational Implications
The ministry reaffirmed the Royal Government’s and Ministry of National Defence’s commitment to fully respect and implement the relevant joint statements and agreements, emphasizing adherence to agreed procedures for demarcation and post-incident measures. Continued observation and expedited JBC surveying would be prerequisites for restoring habitual residence, safety and dignity for affected local populations, as stated by the ministry.
