Background
On 6 June 2026 at 11:12 AM, the Cambodian Liaison Group (CLG) facilitated an ASEAN Observer Team (AOT) led by the Philippines’ Head of Mission to observe and verify the border situation at O’Phlouk Damrei in Thma Da Commune, Veal Veng District, Pursat Province. The Ministry of National Defence reported that the location had come under attack and was being illegally occupied by the Thai military, and that observers were tasked to review compliance with measures set out in the post‑ceasefire Joint Statement.
The Ministry stated that it does not recognize any modification of the border line through the use of force or unilateral territorial claims by Thailand. Cambodia also called on the Thai side to implement the Joint Statement of the Third Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) fully and effectively to resolve the dispute peacefully under international law and existing bilateral agreements.
Key Developments
The Cambodian press release records the facilitation role of the CLG and the arrival of the ASEAN Observer Team on 6 June 2026 to inspect the O’Phlouk Damrei area. The statement attributes reports of an attack and continued illegal occupation of the site to Thai military forces and requests observer verification and reporting in line with the post‑ceasefire arrangements.
Institutional Role
The CLG operated as Cambodia’s coordinating mechanism to provide access for ASEAN observers to a contested border sector, while the ASEAN Observer Team was described as conducting observation, verification, and reporting duties at the site. The press release explicitly links those activities to monitoring compliance with the Joint Statement agreed after the ceasefire.
Policy Context
The Ministry’s statement references the Third Special Meeting of the General Border Committee (GBC) and its Joint Statement as the operative framework for post‑ceasefire measures and confidence‑building steps between Cambodia and Thailand. Cambodia reiterated that peaceful dispute resolution under international law and existing bilateral agreements remains its stated policy approach to border differences.
Source: Press release, Ministry of National Defence of the Kingdom of Cambodia, 6 June 2026 (source: Ministry Facebook post).
