Background
The Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG) operates as the Defence Ministry mechanism for coordinating military and international observation activities related to border incidents. The Cambodia–Thailand Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) is the bilateral body mandated to coordinate land demarcation along the Cambodia–Thailand border. Point 3 of the Joint Statement from the Third Special Meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC) dated 27 December 2025 calls for commencement of JBC land demarcation work to enable civilian returns. The Ministry of National Defence facilitated an ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) field visit to Boeung Trakuan on 26 May 2026 to observe and verify on-the-ground conditions reported by local authorities.
Key Developments
On 26 May 2026 at 09:30, the CLG, led by Lieutenant General Phat Vibolsopheak, escorted an ASEAN Observer Team led by the Head of Mission under the Philippine chair to Boeung Trakuan in Kok Romiet Commune, Thma Puok District, Banteay Meanchey Province. The Ministry reported that the site had been affected by incursions, installation of barbed wire, and the placement of shipping containers by Thai military personnel, which the Mod statement said continued to prevent many Cambodian families from returning home. The Ministry posted the press release and supporting material through its official social channels and websites (see source link).
Institutional Role
The CLG serves as the on-the-ground liaison unit for the Royal Government when coordinating with ASEAN observers and bilateral border mechanisms. The ASEAN Observer Team’s role in this context was described by the Ministry as an independent verification and reporting function to document conditions inside the territory asserted by Cambodia, with the AOT mission led by a Head of Mission appointed during the Philippine ASEAN chairmanship.
Policy Context
The Ministry of National Defence reiterated the Royal Government’s commitment to fully implement the joint outcomes of recent Cambodia–Thailand border meetings, including the Third Special Meeting of the GBC (27 December 2025) and the Joint Declaration on the Peace Agreement (26 October 2025). The Ministry framed the AOT visit as supporting the agreed process of demarcation and civilian return set out in those bilateral instruments.
Source
Official press release published by the Ministry of National Defence of Cambodia (26 May 2026). Original source: Ministry of National Defence Facebook post.
